OF CONGRESS, 



*T>\1 *r^7 \ 



: 



3s£>5 



UNITED STATES OF 



TWENTY-SIX TEARS IN BURMAH 



RECORDS OF THE 



LIFE AND WORK OF JOSEPH G. BINNEY, D.D. 



BY 



MRS. J. G. BINNEY. 






"When I was converted, I resolved, never to ask what I would like to do, 

but what the Lord would have me do." 

J. G. B. 




WAStt^ 
PHILADELPHIA: 

American Baptist Publication Society, 
1420 Chestnut Street. 

/ ? ■ 






The Library 

of Congress 



WASHINGTON 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by the 

AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



PREFACE. 



EVERY human being is interested to a greater or less degree, 
in the life of every other human being, "for we are breth- 
ren," inseparably linked together in our origin, in the fall from 
original purity, in the " Second Adam, the Lord from heaven," 
in our mutual influence, and in our final destiny. "As face 
answereth to face, so the heart of man to man," and thus 
one reads in the lives of others, though under different circum- 
stances, and the same circumstances often attended with differ- 
ent results, one's own biography. 

But the life of every man, even of every good man, cannot be 
written. There would be neither biographers nor readers. " The 
world itself could not contain the books that should be written." 
Every man, doing his duty, is himself in the thickest of the 
fight, and cannot pause too long, nor too often, to know how it 
has fared with his brother, by what means he has conquered, or 
through what defects he has failed. But, the Bible teaches us by 
the lives and deeds of men and women, and all ages and condi- 
tions furnish eager learners ; an occasional glimpse, also, of the 
manner of one who has fought at our side, or but just before us, 
and won the victor's crown, cannot but be an inspiration. 

There must, however, be a special reason for writing a biogra- 
phy. Does such a reason exist in the Life and Labors of Dr. 
Binney ? If such a reason exists, why be written by one whose 

5 



6 PREFACE. 

relation to him for nearly half a century, had been such, as to 
almost necessitate the writing an autobiography as well ? 

These are weighty questions ; and were asked by the author of 
this volume with intense solicitude, before entering on the work ; 
and they are questions which will, doubtless, again be asked by 
some to whose attention it is now brought. 

These questions were settled in the mind of the writer in this 
way. It did not originate in her own mind, but was first sugges- 
ted to her by members of the mission circle in Burmah. She 
then wrote to several of Dr. Binney's personal friends, on whose 
judgment she felt willing to rely, as to its desirableness ; inquir- 
ing at the same time, if deemed desirable, what suitable person 
of leisure and ability could be found, who would be willing to do 
it ; or, what was more probable, what suitable person could be 
found able and willing to add this to already exhausting duties ? 
The reply from every one was, in substance, the same. 

One wrote, " My mind had been directed to this subject before 
receiving your letter. Dr. Lowrie, of the A. B. C. F. M., said to 
me the other day, ' Dr. Binney's life belongs to the mission cause 
in general, and not to his own denomination exclusively. His 
work in Theological Education was a pioneer work, and has not 
only been a stimulus, but a model on which other societies have 
acted.' I have also spoken with others on the subject, and 
their views harmonize with my own, that a life of such rare con- 
secration should be made useful to young men just entering 
upon their life's work, and to young pastors as well." Others 
have written strongly and in a similar strain. A leading pastor 
wrote, " I am convinced there is much in the history of Dr. Bin- 
ney that is of permanent value in the work we have to do for 
the master. He had clear forecast as to the wants of his special 
field. It accorded with the experience of leading Christian 



PREFACE. 7 

workers of all ages, and all successful missionaries have been 
forced, though against their first convictions, to accept it. 'We 
must first make disciples, second baptize,' said Jerome ; 'third, 
teach them to observe all things commanded. The teaching is 
the leading work of pastors and teachers.' For this, schools 
must be sustained ; books in a language which has a Christian 
literature must be accessible to native teachers ; and books in the 
vernacular must, as fast as possible, be prepared. The founding 
of schools in France and Germany by Charlemagne, and in En- 
gland by Alfred, were as essential as gospel preaching, and all 
the work of our missions in Burmah will be perverted by Roman- 
ists now, as in ancient Europe, unless the safe-guard of a Christian 
education be furnished. Dr. Binney's books should be supple- 
mented by his Life, which the educated Karens can read. To 
them his whole life is invaluable. Besides, Dr. Binney's churches 
and pupils in America, and many of his ministering brethren, 
would be benefited by the record." Another pastor, whose 
sound judgment and large experience entitle him to a hearing, 
has, unasked, not only urged that such a work be prepared, but 
has shown the sincerity of his advice by offering pecuniary 
assistance, though his means are limited. 

No one has suggested a person to whom application might be 
made to write this work, but all have said, "This work must be done 
by yourself." One friend wrote, " No one else knew Dr. Binney 
in all his varied spheres of labor, and if another should write, 
you would have to furnish the data for writing." Another wrote, 
" In no way could your own usefulness be so increased; in no 
way could you so effectually serve the Mission Cause, as by de- 
voting a portion of your remaining days in preparing a record of 
your husband's life and work." 

Thus encouraged, the work was begun, but not without many 



8 PREFACE. 

doubts and misgivings ; but day by day these diminished. As the 
work proceeded the conviction increased, that if properly pre- 
sented, the example of one, having so rare opportunities for 
giving up not merely the prospect of worldly honor and prefer- 
ment, and pecuniary reward as well, but the actual possession 
of them all, counting nothing dear unto himself, so that he might 
win Christ and serve him, in testifying the gospel of the grace 
of God to the degraded and perishing, — would surely perpetuate 
and intensify its influence. 

But as to publishing her work in its present form, no decision 
was made, until, by her return from Burmah, the author was 
able to submit it to such men as Dr. Murdock of the Missionary 
Union, Dr. Howard Osgood of the Rochester Theological Semi- 
nary, and Dr. Kendrick of the Rochester University, for perusal 
and suggestions. Most gladly would the materials have been 
put into abler hands for use, but all have said, "It is better so." 
Thus, it is given to the public, with no other desire, than that 
Jesus should be honored and his cause promoted by the example 
and character so imperfectly delineated. 

J. P. B. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. — Ancestry and Early Childhood n 

II.— Conversion, Missionary Spirit 25 

III. — Change of Views on Baptism 36 

IV.— First Pastorate 41 

V.— Winter in Baltimore 52 

VI.— SOUTHBRIDGE PASTORATE . 6l 

VII.— Savannah Pastorate 81 

VIII.— Call to Burmah 105 

IX.— Preparations for Departure 131 

X.— Voyage to Maulmain 151 

XI.— Commencement of Missionary Work 166 

XII. — Educational Work in Maulmain 185 

XIIL— On the Ships "Sutlej" and "Arab" 225 

XIV.— Pastoral Labors North and South 236 

XV.— At Columbian College, D. C 262 

XVI.— Kemendine Seminary at Rangoon 272 

XVII. — Permanent Seminary at Rangoon 301 



I O CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER. PAGE. 

XVIII.— Eighteen Months at Home 308 

XIX.— Again at Rangoon 319 

XX.— Final Departure from Rangoon 333 

XXL— Survey of his Work in Burmah 339 

XXII. — Starts again for Burmah. Last Days 351 

XXIII. — Memorial Services at Rangoon 364 

XXIV.— Tributes to the Memory of Dr. Binney 370 

Index 380 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 



CHAPTER I. 

ANCESTRY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD. 

1807 — 1 8 17. 

THE name of Binney is not an unfamiliar one, either 
in Great Britain or America; yet it is believed there 
is not an individual of that name in America whose lin- 
eage it would be difficult to trace back to one ancestor. 
Nor is it difficult, on unquestionable authority, to trace 
the lineage in England back to a period previous to 
1558. 

Charles J. F. Binney, Esq., of Boston, Massachusetts, 
has been greatly interested in the ancestry of his family. 
He has brought ability, leisure, and rare opportunity to 
the research, and has kindly furnished the writer with 
the result of his efforts in that direction, from which the 
following facts have been selected. 

John Binney and wife Mercy, ancestors of all the 
name in America, were in Hull, Massachusetts, in 1680, 
with their two eldest children, John and Samuel. John, 
afterwards deacon of the church in Hull, was born in 
1679, and died in the eighty-first year of his age. His 
somewhat broken grave-stone is still to be seen in the 
cemetery at Hull. 



I 2 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

John Binney and his wife Mercy, with their two children 
sailed from Worksop, England, for America about that 
period, that is, about 1680. Their ancestors had been in 
Worksop from some time previous to 1558, and had 
doubtless come from Scotland with one of the early 
Dukes of Norfolk, who own Worksop Manor, Work- 
sop. 

John's son, Deacon John Binney, married in Eastham, 
Massachusetts, Hannah Paine, in 1704, who was con- 
nected with the pilgrim families of Hopkins, Snow, and 
Shaw. One of Deacon John's sons, Captain Amos Bin- 
ney, married Rebecca, daughter of Deacon Benjamin 
Loring, who had with others a son Benjamin, born in 
1749, who married Jane Loring, of Hull. They had two 
sons, Benjamin, the father of Matthew Binney, Esq., of 
Boston, and others, and Joshua, the father of Joseph 
Getchell, the subject of this memoir. Another son of 
Captain Amos Binney, Amos Binney, Jr., was the grand- 
father of Charles J. F. Binney and others of Boston. 
He is still remembered in Boston as one of its merchant 
princes. A brother of Captain Amos, Captain Barnabas 
Binney, ship-master and merchant of Hull and Boston, 
was the grandfather of the distinguished jurist, the late 
Hon. Horace Binney of Philadelphia, Penn.; Deacon 
John being his great-grandfather and the great-great- 
grandfather of Joseph Getchell Binney and the Binneys 
of the same generation in Boston. 

Hon. Jonathan Binney, born in Hull and ancestor 
of the Nova Scotia branch of the name, son of Thomas, 
captain and merchant of Hull and Boston, who was 
the son of the ancestor John and Mercy, and brother 



ANCESTR Y AND EARL Y CHILDHOOD. I 3 

of Deacon John, of Hull, Massachusetts, removed to 
Halifax, N. S.; was early a member of Her Majesty's 
Council, and possessed large tracts of land. The family 
are highly connected and influential there, and also in 
Great Britain. One of his descendants is now Lord 
Bishop of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. 

Charles J. F. Binney, Esq., of Boston, says: " The 
Hon. Horace Binney, of Philadelphia, once wrote me 
that he was proud of his ancestors, especially of Deacon 
John Binney, and the ancestry in Worksop." He also 
adds : " I have no doubt our family are from England, 
of the Worksop branch, of the medium class, practical 
workers in their various vocations, and honest men." 
Though honesty, sterling integrity, have ever character- 
ized the name of Binney, and though the blood of the 
Pilgrim Fathers was so largely mingled with that of the 
original stock from their earliest American history, yet 
it does not appear that any of the name, until Joseph 
Getchell with his contemporary relatives came upon the 
stage, ever devoted themselves to the work of the gospel 
ministry. As has been seen, the sea, united most fre- 
quently with mercantile pursuits, has had for them spe- 
cial attractions. There has not been wanting, however, 
a considerable number of distinguished members both 
of the professions of law and medicine, with a few gentle- 
men of means and culture, who, while being useful mem- 
bers of society, have not followed any special vocation. 

Jane Loring Binney, the mother of Joshua Binney, 
having been left a widow while still young, came from 
Hull to Boston with her two boys for the purpose of 
giving them a better education and business training 



14 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

than they could obtain in Hull. Joshua married, in 
1803, Hannah Getchell, the daughter of Captain John 
and Hannah Getchell, of Marblehead, Massachusetts. 
Their third son, Joseph Getchell, was born in Bos- 
ton, December 1, 1807. For the first few months 
of his life he was an unusually healthy child. This 
his parents had a right to expect of their children. 
Both were robust and healthy, and both descended 
from ancestors remarkable for physical strength and 
longevity. About the close of the first year, however, 
Joseph had the whooping-cough, from which for some 
time his recovery was doubtful, and which made him 
an exceedingly delicate child. Until about ten years 
of age he was carefully watched and greatly in- 
dulged. He went to school, but did not mingle 
much in the usual sports of boys of his age. 
His two elder brothers, though very fond of him, 
were not fond of his company in their athletic 
sports, in which they excelled. They often tried 
to hire him to stay at home with "mother and 
the girls," but this did not always suit his tastes. He 
joined his brothers in their swimming, coasting, and 
skating sufficiently often to be expert in them all. 

His parents were neither of them, in his childhood, 
members of any church, but he has often spoken of 
their great care that he associated only with the best 
boys. Though in games and plays boys of the school, 
or the whole neighborhood even, would unite, yet he 
did not visit or receive visits from the lawless or un- 
ruly, whatever their standing or position. He has 
been heard to tell the story of his having once ac- 



ANCESTR Y AND EARL Y CHILDHOOD. I 5 

companied some boys of that description to a wharf 
where hogsheads of molasses were lying for the pur- 
pose of being tested, and he joined them in inserting 
straws and trying their quality for themselves. His 
soiled frill revealed the secret, and his mother taught 
him in a way he never forgot ''that he did not belong 
to that set." At this period his parents were regular 
attendants at Dr. Thomas Baldwin's church, and Joseph 
accompanied them. This was his grandmother's place 
of worship, though a member of another church, and 
as she lived near the church, her son with his family 
was accustomed to dine with her and remain for the 
afternoon service. These Sunday dinners with grand- 
mother were looked back upon with pleasure, even 
down to old age. Joseph there often met Dr. Bald- 
win and other ministers. But although she often had, 
and always expected, guests on the Lord's Day, the 
dinner was prepared the evening before, and kept 
warm in the brick oven of those days, or eaten cold; 
and no fire was ever made in the kitchen after the 
early breakfast till the evening tea. Every member 
of the family, domestics included, was expected to go 
to the house of God at least twice on the Lord's 
Day, nor were the guests allowed to break in on its 
proper observance. Religious books were provided, 
and the children expected to be quiet, if not old 
enough to read; yet no punishment was so much 
dreaded by them as to be deprived of the usual Sun- 
day dinner at grandmother's. 

When Joseph was about ten years of age an event 
occurred which had a marked influence upon his 

2* 



I 6 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

whole future life. His father, though a young me- 
chanic, had been successful in business, and was al- 
ready considered to be a rich man. It required less, 
at that time, to place a man among the rich men of 
our cities than now; but he was at least prosperous, 
and his name sought as security for a considerable 
sum. The wife objected, on the ground of the bare 
possibility of his having to pay it. She was assured 
that there was not the slightest probability of such an 
event; that business men must oblige each other in 
that way sometimes, or no business could be done. 
She urged the impropriety of giving so heavy secur- 
ity where the failure would leave a young family des- 
titute. However, the paper was signed, with the 
promise that she should never be made anxious in 
that way again, and assured that all was safe. The 
"improbable" event did take place, and in less than 
a year the family was left destitute of everything but 
a good house well furnished, and an ample wardrobe, 
and stores for present use. It came so suddenly that 
it stunned the poor father, who fled at once to New 
York, then, seemingly much farther from Boston than 
now, to seek employment which would give bread to 
his family. He could not wait to take counsel with 
his friends and allow them to assist him ; " he would 
have to take a subordinate position, and he would do 
it among strangers." The wife counselled with her 
two little sons, the one twelve and the other ten years 
of age. The eldest son had already obtained a reluc- 
tant permission to go to sea, and had sailed in one of 
Captain John Binney's vessels for China, his parents 



ANCESTRY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD. 



17 



hoping that one voyage would satisfy him. The con- 
clusion was that the boys must leave school, and the 
elder one try to obtain some employment. Joseph 
•was equally sanguine that he " would find something 
to do" to help his mother and three little sisters. 

With characteristic promptness, the next morning 
he rose early and looked over his treasures to see if 
he could part with anything that would help his 
mother. He had a plenty of nice clothes, but thought 
they would not sell for enough to replace them when 
needed. He looked overall his toys; but they would 
not sell for much; and his books — they would sell 
for more, for they were uninjured — but, though he 
could not hope to go to school again, he would need 
his books. He packed them carefully away, and 
never parted with them through all the changes of a 
long life. He had a nearly new pair of skates, which 
his father had recently bought him. These were 
greatly coveted by a boy about his own age, who 
could not find another pair he liked so well. They 
would sell for the original price, but they were his 
pride and joy. Could he let them go ? He would 
not have much time to use them now. He looked at 
them for a few moments lovingly ; brushed away a 
tear or two that would come ; suppressed the others ; 
wrapped them up neatly as when he first received 
them from his father; and started out to sell them. 
He obtained his price without difficulty, and soon re- 
turned to his mother, saying, as he tossed the money 
into her lap, " Here, mother dear, is a little market 
money ; I have sold my skates." 



1 8 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

From that hour he felt himself a man, and all the 
family, especially his mother, treated him, in many 
respects, as such. 

He was no longer the pet of the household. He had 
furnished his mother with a " little market money." 
What could he do next ? Not many days after, he 
silently went out to seek employment, not knowing 
whither. As he once described his feelings to me, and 
probably never to another, " I felt so lonely and deso- 
late." His father, with whom he had been accustomed 
to walk those streets, and whose hand he had not 
yet considered himself too large to clasp, had left him. 
His mother had thought him " too little to work," 
and his brother had laughed at his suggestion that " he 
would do something." He had not yet learned to look 
to his Heavenly Father for direction. To be truthful, 
obedient, and kind was to his mind the fulfilling 
of the Law. He had heard Dr. Baldwin preach to 
grown up people, but he usually walked a long dis- 
tance to his church, and not being strong, was tired, 
and would lean his head upon his father's shoulder, and 
sleep through the sermon. He had a most profound 
respect for Dr. Baldwin and his grandmother; but he 
had never thought of their religion as being anything 
practical for him. But though he did not know it for 
his comfort, his Heavenly Father's eye was upon him, 
and the Father's loving heart responding to his longing 
desire for guidance. While standing for a moment 
irresolute, he thought of a '" ready-made clothing 
store," where his father had sometimes taken him, and 
he bent his steps thither. Mr. Joseph Jenkins, merchant 



ANCESTR Y AXD EARL Y CHILDHOOD. \ 9 

tiilor, on State Street, Boston, knew his father well. 
When he had heard the lad's errand, he was quite ready- 
to give him a trial, only hesitating on account of his age 
and size. Could he take the place of the almost man, 
who would be promoted by his coming ? His duty 
would be to open the store in winter at six o'clock, 
make the fires and sweep the store, then to be ready to 
go out on any errand required, or " wait and tend," if 
needed, in the store. Mr. Jenkins suggested, that he 
would not expect the pay of a larger boy. " Why, Mr. 
Jenkins, if after trial, I cannot do what you require, 
you will not want me ; and, if I can, and do, why 
should I not be paid for it just the same as if I were 
larger ? " Mr. Jenkins seems to have been convinced 
by his logic, and there was no further objection to his 
making the trial. The mother gave her consent to this 
arrangement, though with great reluctance ; and the 
next morning found him at his post, as he had promised. 
Thus far his task was comparatively easy. The stimulus 
of the example of an older brother, the overflowing love 
for his mother and little sisters, might lead to hasty 
resolves and even cause a child to feel so great a sense 
of responsibility, that he could not sleep the first night, 
for fear his mother would fail to waken him early 
enough to take a long walk, and then open the store at 
six o'clock ; but will he persevere ? Will the motive be 
strong enough to sustain the delicate, frail boy, in the 
severe cold and storms of a Boston winter, and the ex- 
treme heat of a Boston summer, in doing the work he 
has undertaken ? The event proved that he had not 
onlv bent his little shoulders to the burden, with a 



20 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

will, but that the young brain had been stimulated into 
premature activity, from which it was never really to 
rest, until life's work was done. 

He was allowed to take the key home with him, and 
during the two years that he was entrusted with it, he 
never once forgot it. At first his mother would say, on 
his leaving home, " Don't forget the key, Joseph," but 
she soon ceased to think of it. In a short time, Mr. 
Jenkins began to send him to the bank with deposits, 
or to do other business. He not infrequently entrusted 
him with commissions, which legitimately belonged to 
others, assigning as a reason, " Joseph will be sure to be 
on time." Though he does not seem to have been 
favored, so far as work was concerned, in the store, 
3 r et the influence was good. Mr. Jenkins was one of 
the constituent members of the Park Street Church, and 
a kind as well as a just man. Mrs. Jenkins became 
acquainted with Joseph, and sometimes brought him to 
her room for a cup of hot coffee, after his long walk 
and work in the cold store. Then, finding he had 
leisure often, and was fond of reading, she stipulated 
with him to come to her parlor and read to her of an 
evening, most wisely selecting the books he read ; and 
when he could snatch a little time to do something in 
arithmetic, she promised him a cent for every sum he 
brought her, in advance of anything he had done at 
school. For awhile he took the " cent a sum," as 
most boys of his age and circumstances would have 
done: he was trying to make money for others, and 
he did it by all honest means. But at length he began 
to think that Mrs. Jenkins received nothing in return for 



ANCESTR Y AND EARL Y CHILDHOOD. 2 I 

the money she gave, and that she must have only his 
good in view. He therefore went to her and told her 
that he could not take the money any longer, but would 
bring the sums to her just the same. 

Mr. Jenkins took up his slate one day, seemed pleased 
with what he was doing, and suggested that he should 
study Book-keeping a little. He put him on the right 
track with some few words of encouragement ; and 
thenceforward Joseph spent every moment of spare 
time in learning the way in which Mr. Jenkins kept his 
accounts. Thus commenced, even at that early age, 
that system of self-culture which after circumstances 
made so essential to his success. 

There sprung up a strong attachment between Mrs. 
Jenkins and " Little Binney," as she called him. An 
incident may not be out of place here to show how 
truly the boy was " the father of the man." Mrs. Jenkins 
had a very pretty garden, with many choice and rare 
plants ; and when she left for the summer, which she 
usually did, these often suffered from neglect or want of 
skill in their management. The second summer Joseph 
was with them, she called him to her, and showed him 
the selection of rare plants she had made, and proposed 
to leave them in his care during her absence. He 
hesitated to assume the responsibility, and thought a 
gardener would surely do better by them than he could. 
But she said she would leave the most minute instructions 
as to their treatment, and that she knew he would be 
faithful in obeying them. He had before expressed his 
sense of obligation to her ; and now he had it in his 
power to do her a very great favor. He at once con- 



2 2 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

sented, made a little book and wrote down her instruc- 
tions from her lips, so that he could keep them in his 
pocket, and never be in doubt. He has often been heard 
to speak of that little book as being the commencement 
of a habit, which he continued while he lived, of trust- 
ing nothing to memory. It was easy t6 carry his mem- 
orandum-book in his pocket ; thus relieving the memory 
of a burden, which after all, it might fail to carry safely. 
When Mrs. Jenkins returned, she found her plants as she 
expected in a most flourishing state. This incident 
helped the lad in forming a taste for the cultivation of 
plants, and awakened a genuine love for them, which was 
a source of pleasure to him, in whatever clime he found 
them ever after. This friendship for Mrs. Jenkins lasted 
while she lived. One of his first visits paid on returning 
from time to time to his native city, was always to her. 
He often said when alluding to her; "If woman only 
knew her power of influencing boys, her opportunities 
to do so would not be so frequently neglected ! " 

It must not be inferred from the faithful, conscien- 
tious manner in which he performed his duties, that 
he was an extra quiet and good boy, in the common 
acceptation of these words. He loved play, and 
sometimes fell into boyish difficulties by it. His father 
used to tell the story of his having played foot-ball 
in front of a store in Washington Street, which was 
furnished with very handsome-plate-glass windows, — 
handsome for those days. He kicked the ball against 
one of the panes and broke it. Greatly alarmed and fear- 
ing some severe treatment, he yet went boldly in alone, 
and spoke to the head of the establishment. He told 



ANCESTR Y AND EARL Y CHILDHOOD. 2$ 

him that he was playing on the street on his way 
from school and had broken the pane of glass accident- 
ally; but if he would tell him what it would cost to 
replace it, he would bring the money as soon as he 
could go home and back. He was told, and at once ran 
home to lay the matter before his father. His father 
listening to the story said, " How dare you promise the 
money ? You have not two dollars in the world.'" " No, 
but you have, and am I not your boy?" The father 
acknowledged the claim, walked with him, paid for the 
glass, and required his son to make all due apology for 
the trouble he had caused, and to promise not to play 
foot-ball on the street again; this his father told to 
illustrate his early recognition of the duty of paying an 
honest debt ; but it showed at the same time, his love 
for play. His grandmother used to say that "Joseph 
sowed a great many wild oats, but grace spared him 
from reaping the harvest." But what the dear grand- 
mother called "sowing wild oats" seems never to have 
gone farther than the enjoyment of a good deal of fun, 
mostly at home or with his most intimate friends. 

When about twelve years of age, he met with an 
irreparable loss in the sudden death of his mother. 
Though she never made a public profession of religion, 
yet she was, in all the relations of this life, most exem- 
plary. She was a great reader, especially of history, and 
Joseph was accustomed to read aloud to her, while she 
sewed ; and thus, while a mere child, acquired an unusual 
knowledge of history, and what was better, a taste for 
it, rather than for works of fiction. If he took up a 
story, and was told that it was fictitious, he would lay it 
3 



24 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

aside at once for one of "mother's books." which were 
always true stories. In her was united in a remarkable 
degree the tender, loving mother and the strict discipli- 
narian. She never spake harshly or in a loud tone of 
voice to a child ; and it was a rule with her never to bid 
them twice to do a thing. It was rarely necessary to 
punish them, though she believed in the use of the rod, 
according to the orthodox creed of that day. Her 
household was well ordered; "a place for everything 
and everything in its place" w T as the motto acted upon 
by herself, and so fully expected of every member of the 
family that it seemed natural rather than enforced. The 
habit of order, whether inherited or acquired, was ever 
a prominent trait in the character of her son. At home 
or abroad he rarely spent a moment looking for any- 
thing; and if by any chance anything was mislaid, the 
humiliation he felt in consequence was most apparent. 
The loss of time occasioned by carelessness, or failure 
to perform a duty or meet an engagement promptly, was 
in himself deemed a moral delinquency. The father never 
desired to give the children another mother. 



N 



CHAPTER II. 

CONVERSION, MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 

I82I — 1827. 
T OT long after the mother's death, the dear grand- 



mother, already advanced in years, was persuaded to 
come to her son and supply as far as possible the place 
thus made vacant. As she was destined to exert so 
important an influence on the character of her grand- 
son, it will not be irrelevant to notice briefly the prom- 
inent points of her life and character. 

She was born in the town of Hull, Massachusetts, 
where in her childhood there were few educational privi- 
leges, and at a period, when they were not deemed 
necessary for girls, even in' the " Commonwealth of Mas- 
sachusetts." The late Rev. Henry Jackson, D. D., then 
a pastor in Charlestown, once asked her in the presence 
of the writer " where she was educated ? " The question 
was evidently called forth by the extent and accuracy of 
her historical knowledge. She replied, "If you mean to 
ask what institution I attended ; I can only say, that I 
went to school in the town of Hull, when nearly or quite 
seven years of age, just six weeks. In that time I learned 
to read easy readings and to write a little. As I had to 
walk a long way to school, my parents thought my at- 

25 



2 6 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

tainments sufficient for a girl, and took me from school. 
As I grew older I read everything that came in my 
way. I read all the English classics before I was grown. 
I read English Grammar pretty thoroughly and learned 
some arithmetic, so that when I was left a widow and 
had need to keep my accounts I kept them. When I 
needed to write my first letter, I got some old letters 
and studied them, and practiced on mine till it was tol- 
erably satisfactory ; and I soon learned to correspond 
with those to whom I deemed it necessary to write, 
with a good deal of ease and pleasure. I have always 
found the best way for me to learn do a thing was to do 
it. As to history, my personal experience of so much 
of the history of our own country made me anxious to 
read all that was written ; and our early history was so 
identified with that of Great Britain, that the more I 
read, the more I wished to read. Then naturally I 
wished to compare the history of Great Britain with 
that of other countries. History seems as natural to me 
as my household duties. Of late years, however, I read 
but little except the Book. I find so much there, that 
I have lost my eager craving for new books. When I 
see ministers of the gospel getting much of their 
theology from other books I feel anxious. I often tell 
Joseph, I would rather see him more frequently at the 
pure fountain, and thinking less of the streams." So she 
told her own story. 

On her, Joseph lavished all the respect and love which 
was due from a grateful grandchild. He was her ac- 
knowledged favorite, yet there was little demonstration 
in words on either side. It was not natural to them to 



CONVERSION, MISSIONAR Y SPIRIT. 2 J 

speak much of their own emotions. It has already been 
mentioned that his father went away from home to find 
employment. He did not long remain away however. 
Business friends were interested, and he soon returned 
to Boston, and as soon as practicable his boys were 
placed in the public schools, where they had both 
thorough instruction and discipline. The latter was 
severe, judged even by the standard of those days ; but 
the sons of the best families in Boston were Joseph's 
school-fellows, and neither he nor they would have found 
any relief by making complaints at home. At one time 
he received a very severe chastisement for a trifling of- 
fense which involved neither disobedience to rules nor 
moral turpitude, and he quietly told the master that he 
would not have the opportunity to repeat it. " What 
do you propose to do, Binney?" "I intend to obey 
the rules of the school strictly ; and if I find myself in 
danger of a flogging, I shall leave the house; and more 
than that, I propose to settle this affair with you when I 
am a man." The master made no reply, but afterwards 
treated him as the relation justified. But Joseph did not 
forget the offense ; and the purpose of settling the affair 
with him was cherished until his conversion, when one 
of the first evidences that all things had really become 
new to him was his unconditional forgiveness of the in- 
jury. The desire of revenge never returned; on the con- 
trary he sought an opportunity for a kindly recognition. 
When he had completed the usual course at the 
Boston Public Schools, he began to look about for a 
preparation for his life's work. About this time an 
Englishman, by the name of Adlam, established himself 

3* 



28 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

in Boston, in the business known as the " Rule, Scale, 
and Rod" business. It was the first attempt to introduce 
the business into America, and awakened a considerable 
interest in business circles. Young Binney was greatly 
pleased with it, and his father, at his request, tried to 
place him in the establishment as a learner ; but there 
was only one condition on which he could be received. 
He must become an indentured apprentice, till twenty- 
one years of age, receiving board and clothing for 
services. With these conditions he gladly complied. 
He at once made friends with the foreman, and after 
working all day on the usual work of young apprentices, 
he worked often till a late hour at night on advanced 
parts. He preserved, while he lived, specimens of his 
first year's work, especially a pocket-rule, which he used 
with pride and almost affection. 

At about the close of his second year, Mr. Adlam 
thought it his duty to give up business and enter upon 
a course of preparation for the ministry of the gospel. 
This released young Binney from his. obligation. At 
his earnest request, his father bought out the business 
just as it stood, and placed him at the head of it. His 
friends generally thought it a doubtful experiment ; but 
the father trusted him with perfect confidence, and seems 
to have left the business entirely with him, lending 
him the money required, and standing responsible for 
his son, who was only a minor. This money he was 
expected to return with moderate interest as fast as he 
was able to do so conveniently. He was then in his 
seventeenth year, slight and delicate in appearance, even 
younger in looks than in years. But he retained all the 



CONVERSION, MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 29 

workmen of steady habits, together with the English 
foreman, and he had no trouble with the former while 
he remained in business. He encouraged their improve- 
ment, and found his own interest, as well as theirs, in so 
doing. Even then he had the talent of securing obedi- 
ence without fault-finding. He had always cheerfully 
rendered obedience legitimately due. He now expected 
it from those he employed, who had till then been his as- 
sociates, and they understood their relations, and gov- 
erned themselves accordingly. He thought he had 
found his vocation, and was content, having no higher 
ambition than to excel in it. 

Two or three years before he commenced business he, 
with his brother Jonathan, was in the habit of attending 
the Park Street Congregational Church, being drawn 
there partly from the fact that his friends, Mr. and Mrs. 
Jenkins, were influential members of it, but chiefly from 
the fine singing Lowell Mason was then chorister of 
the church, and taught the choir. The two brothers 
joined the choir, and Joseph, having a fine alto voice, 
often sang that part alone, so long as his voice suited it. 
This brought him much into intercourse with the young 
people of the church, and he formed some lasting 
friendships. He was often deeply convicted of sin by 
the solemn truths which he sang, and for that reason 
ever after placed a high estimate upon the importance 
of that part of religious worship. Happily, we have a 
record from his own pen of the way by which the Lord 
led him to himself: 

" My first special feelings upon my own condition and pros- 
pects as a sinner, so far as I can recollect, were in Baldwin Place' 



30 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Church, under a funeral discourse by Dr. Baldwin, on the death 
of Miss Chandler, one of his singers. From that time my mind 
was more or less impressed, with all the vacillations of childhood 
and youth, until the year 1827, when I became very deeply 
affected under a sermon from Dr. Griffin, in Park Street Church. 
The leading thought was of my character a,s a sinner. Very 
soon, however, I was dreadfully alarmed at my eternal prospects. 
For three weeks I cannot tell which most engrossed me, my char- 
acter or my prospects ; but my whole attention was given to the 
great question : " What shall I do to be saved ?" At about the 
close of that time, such was my anticipation of God's wrath, and 
my utter condemnation and abhorrence of myself, that it seemed 
to me impossible for a holy God ever to receive me into his favor. 
But I resolved, whether he ever forgave my past sins or not, to 
forsake whatever I thought offensive to him and die pleading for 
his blessing. The last of three nights in which I feared to sleep 
a moment, I sat reading in the Gospel of John the representa- 
tion of Christ's love, and everything else was forgotten. Such 
love in such a Being for such sinners ! I melted into tears, the 
first I had shed during the whole time ; and adored the rich, 
sovereign grace of God in providing such a Saviour for guilty 
men. Gradually another thought equally engrossed me. " Oh, 
that the heathen had this Bible!" I forgot myself. I bowed 
down and pleaded with God to send the tidings of this love to 
the perishing heathen. 

After spending some time in this way I retired to bed in per- 
fect peace, not because I thought myself pardoned or regenerated, 
but I felt assured that God, who had given such a Saviour for 
man and furnished him with such a revelation of his will, could 
not do wrong. I could not murmur against his will, and was sat- 
isfied that he should do with me as he thought best. Whatever dis- 
posal he might make of me, I could not help loving him. I 
wished to see his people and talk with them of this love, and tell 
them of my earnest desire that the heathen should know this 
God and his revealed word. 

When I awoke from a little refreshing sleep the first thought 
was, "Am I a Christian ?" I thought I must be. I loved God 



CONVERSION, MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 3 I 

and his dear Son ; and the Bible said, "the natural heart is en- 
mity against God." 

About a month after my conversion, I became a member of 
Park Street Church, and about the same time commenced a 
course of education with the design of becoming a Foreign Mis- 
sionary. When I commenced my Christian course I resolved 
never to ask what I preferred, or I felt, but what God com- 
manded, and his will should control my steps. 

A letter from Peter Hobart, Esq., of Boston, an 
intimate friend of his youth, and whose heart the Lord 
touched about the same time, says : " I well remem- 
ber that his experience was very clear, and he had a 
strong assurance. Even his convictions of sin were of a 
positive kind, and he searched the Bible diligently to see 
if the doctrines he heard at ' Brimstone Corner,' as 
Park Street Church was very much called at that time, 
were really true." "So," says Mr. Hobart, "we would 
turn it over and over, he often saying, 'We can't alter it, 
Hobart; we can't alter it.' " 

When his mind was decided to enter upon a course 
of study, it was necessary for him to give up business. 
He told his pastor, Edward Beecher, D. D., of his de- 
sires and purposes. He thought if he sold out his 
business, he should be able to pay his father the money 
he had loaned him, and have enough left for a moderate 
education. He did not expect to preach at home, 
where, if souls were lost, it was not from necessary ig- 
norance of the way of salvation ; and he supposed it 
would not take a long course to prepare him to tell the 
simple story of the Cross to those who had never heard 
it. He was persuaded, however, that even to become a 
foreign missionary it would be better to take a thorough 



32 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

course of study; that he could do better without it at 
home than abroad; and that a knowledge of the ori- 
ginal languages, for a translator or a critical teacher, 
would be essential. A superficial education was no 
part of the creed of the Congregational ministry of that 
day. 

As will, perhaps, have been anticipated, he had en- 
tered on a course involving much personal sacrifice. 
The bright anticipation of one day becoming a rich 
man, and taking his place among the respected business 
men of Boston had suddenly vanished. This he was 
prepared to give up. His friend, Mr. Hobart, says, "he 
was doing a good business, and men were surprised that 
he should abandon it for any higher calling." But his 
desires as well as his purposes were changed. For 
himself the task was easy ; but how should he break it 
to his father? Would he consent ? However, he knew 
nothing would be gained by delay, and he had no time 
to lose. It was as he anticipated. His father had "no 
sympathy with the wild project" — the giving up of a 
prosperous business rapidly increasing. It was no longer 
an experiment, and his future was as certain as any 
earthly event could be. Was his son entirely in his 
right mind ? He had been under great religious ex- 
citement. The terrible preaching at Park Street had 
frightened him — had unbalanced his mind. He must 
have rest and a little time. 

Even the grandmother, whose heart was overflowing 
with gratitude and joy at the marvelous change, still 
advised that he should wait a little, and decide deliber- 
ately ; not understanding that he had settled the ques- 



COXFEXSIOX. MISSIOXAR Y SPIRIT. 3 \ 

tion with the Lord, even before he had dared to hope 
for himself. He had early been led to recognize his 
Saviour in his kingly office, and he did not fail in his 
allegiance. The father very soon began to consider 
carefully the rights of conscience, and came to acqui- 
esce in his son's purpose ; he took the business from 
him, giving him all he had legitimately made, and thus 
put his mind at rest on that point. Thus the Lord 
cared for him and opened the way, step by step, as he 
needed to go forward. He had kind, sympathizing 
friends and counsellors. His pastor advised him to apply 
to the American Education Society for help. The Rev. 
Dr. Cornelius, Secretary of the Society, entered into his 
plans with an almost paternal interest ; and advised him 
to take a thorough course of study ; to save the funds 
he had, for special emergencies, and to receive aid from 
the Society for present need. He went at once to Mun- 
son Academy, a strictly denominational Institution, but 
one of the best of the kind then in New England. He 
entered upon the usual preparatory course for admis- 
sion to Yale College, New Haven. He found that his 
thorough elementary course in the Boston schools and 
his business education enabled him to apply himself ex- 
clusively to the legitimate studies of the preparatory 
course, so that he was prepared to enter Yale one 
year in advance. His health, however, had become 
a good deal impaired, and he was advised not to do so. 
During the two years that he was in the Academy, he 
had applied himself to study too closely, allowing him- 
self no recreation, or even social intercourse with the 
citizens. He denied himself this great luxury, as he 



34 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

deemed it, conscientiously, supposing it would hinder his 
preparation for the great work before him. He was 
known, in the town of Munson, only in connection with 
religious meetings and the Sunday-school. He was 
also exceedingly frugal in his expenses. Destined to 
become, as he considered himself, a Foreign Missionary, 
he did not expect to be able to repay the Society which 
was aiding him, and he was anxious to spend as little as 
possible. He thought, in later years, that he carried 
both these points too far, as he physically suffered in 
consequence. He had become comparatively robust 
while in business, but he did not bear study so well. 

When he entered Yale College, if some judicious friend 
had advised him to rest from study for an entire year 
instead, he probably would have been able to complete 
the course; but entering as soon as he left Munson, he 
pursued his studies with the same earnestness. " This 
one thing I do," was still his motto. 

When he entered College, as was customary, the fur- 
niture in the rooms of the class graduating was put up 
at auction and bought by the class entering. A bed 
was so to be disposed of, and was facetiously recom- 
mended to Mr. Binney as " though two of his name 
had owned it, yet it seemed not to have been slept on." 
W 7 hen he left, and it was sold again, the same recom- 
mendation was given, that the bed had not been slept 
on. He certainly did not use it enough. He was in 
College but little more than a year. The long vacation 
was spent at home, but he did not rest, and soon broke 
down. Though in College for so brief a time, his disci- 
pline of mind and thorough preparation for it, was 



CON I 'ERS/OX, MISSIONAR Y SPIRIT. 3 5 

unusual. A distinguished educator, who in after years 
was in the habit of reading Greek with him, has re- 
peatedly said that Mr. Binney was a better Greek scholar 
than he was when he graduated from one of the best 
Colleges, and better than most of the young men who 
had come under his instruction in our Theological 
Seminary. 



CHAPTER III.' 

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 
I8 3 0. 

IN speaking of Mr. Binney's change of views on the 
subject of Baptism, it will be necessary to return a 
little in our history. While in Munson Academy, he 
was in the habit of walking among the surrounding hills 
and groves for the purpose of retirement. On one such 
occasion, Bible in hand, the thought came home to him 
forcibly, that he never had been "buried with Christ 
in baptism." He was greatly distressed, for a time, 
at his obvious neglect to obey what seemed to him 
from the word of God, so plainly the duty of all. 
believers. But he finally resolved, as he was then 
studying Greek, to wait till he was more capable of 
forming an independent judgment as to the meaning, in 
all its shades, of the word transferred — not translated — 
to our English Bibles. But his mind was not at ease. 
He was a member of a debating club, and he was ap- 
pointed to prove the duty of Christian parents to con- 
secrate their children to the Lord in baptism. He made 
so bad work of it, that his opponent was quite dis- 
gusted, and declared his "foeman not worthy of his 
steel." He scarcely deigned a reply. Mr. Binney was 

36 



CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 37 

obliged to admit, that he "found nothing in the Bible 
for it, and hesitated to bring forward arguments that 
would suit Romanists as well." But he remained unde- 
cided, until, during the vacation, after his first year at 
Yale, he read Mrs. Judson's Memoir, by Dr. Knowles. 
His purpose of becoming a Foreign Missionary was not 
weakened, and he was greatly affected by Dr. Judson's 
prompt action, involving so great a trial, under the pe- 
culiar circumstances. He felt that he had no right to 
defer a decision longer. He studied the New Testa- 
ment, both in Greek and English, and no longer 
doubted or hesitated. He told his pastor, of his change 
of views and purpose, but was not encouraged to " hasty 
action." The pastor "had once been troubled in the 
same way, but after deliberate examination, had become 
satisfied." He promised to wait again. The same 
record, from which quotations have been made, says, " I 
earnestly wished to remain where I was. I most sin- 
cerely loved my brethren, as I had reason to do; and it 
was exceedingly difficult for me to leave them, especial- 
ly to grieve them. I therefore did my best, in reading 
about twenty different Pedobaptist authors, to satisfy 
my conscience, but in vain. The Bible required me to 
be baptized, and in the fall of 1830 I was dismissed by 
the Church in Yale College to the Baptist Church in 
East Cambridge, and baptized by the Rev. J. E. Wes- 
ton, pastor, where I was soon after licensed to preach 
the gospel." 

In private conversation, he has been heard to give a 
more graphic account of what, in substance, he has thus 
recorded. He shut himself in a room which he had 



38 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

appropriated when at home for his study, a room in the 
attic, quite away from all interruption, and read and 
pondered. He had little leisure or desire either for 
eating or sleeping. His grandmother remonstrated, be- 
cause he had come home to rest, and was applying 
himself as closely to study as ever. He gave no expla- 
nation; but after a time, she found a key that would 
open the door, and when he was out, she entered his 
room and learned the subject which had so engrossed 
him. On his return, as he was passing her room, she 
met him on the stairs, and told him what she had done, 
and the discovery she had made. 

" Now," said she, "Joseph, what do you think you are 
doing? Are you seeking to learn what the Lord will 
have you to do, or trying to satisfy your troubled con- 
science, and have your own way too? If you think you 
are trying to know his will, you are certainly deceiving 
yourself. If you wish to know the Lord's will, why not 
go to his word to learn it, instead of reading all that 
men say about it?" 

" Why, grandmother, I want to settle this question 
once for all now. I do not wish to have my mind dis- 
turbed by these arguments afterwards. What wiser 
course could I pursue?" 

" I would have you lay all those books aside, and by 
prayer and confession bring your mind so into subjec- 
tion, that if the Spirit, by the use of the word, shows 
you your duty, you will be ready to do it. They that 
will do his will shall know of the doctrine. Then take 
your New Testament — Greek, if you prefer, though the 
English will do, — and use your own common sense on 



CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 



39 



so plain a matter. Then, after you have obeyed his 
command, if you deem it necessary, as a guide to others, 
to be able to meet and refute the words of men with a 
'thus saith the Lord,' perhaps it would be well to read 
some of their leading authors." 

This was all the advice he got from the Baptist side. 
He saw how the case stood ; he was indeed deceiving 
himself; the Bible had been a plain book to him for a 
long time ; he had almost no acquaintance among the 
Baptists. He went, however, to Mr. Weston, father of 
the Rev. H. G. Weston, D. D., President of Crozer Theo- 
logical Seminary at Upland, Pennsylvania, pastor of 
the Baptist Church at East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 
where his father then resided, told him who he was, 
and asked him to baptize him, which he did. He not 
only brought his letter from Yale College Church, but 
also related his " religious experience " according to the 
custom of the church. The following month, October, 
1830, by Mr. Weston's advice, he received from the 
church a license to preach. He found in Mr. Weston a 
safe counselor and a highly valued friend, and was sorely 
grieved by his sudden and untimely death by drowning 
a few months after. He found also in Dr. Sharp, both 
at this time and in after years, a warm friend, who took 
almost a paternal interest in his welfare, and to whom 
he ever turned for counsel in times of doubt and trial. 
By his advice he abandoned most reluctantly, any fur- 
ther attempt to go through the course at Yale, and went 
to Newton Theological Seminary. But here also his 
health soon failed, and with the failure he gave up all 
hope of entering the ministry. He had a good 

A* 



4<D TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

many business acquaintances and friends ; and as he 
had enjoyed pretty good health while in business, he 
concluded that the Lord's will was that he should turn 
in that direction ; that perhaps he might be more useful 
as a business man than a preacher, or rather as a Foreign 
Missionary, without a better preparation for the work. 
His heart was no less in it, but his path was hedged up. 
He actually entered into engagements in business, and 
went to Dr. Sharp to make known to him his plans. 
The Doctor, with other friends, was reluctant to give up 
the hope of his usefulness in the ministry somewhere, 
and suggested an agency for the Northern Baptist Edu- 
cation Society. This would not only be doing service 
to the Society, but would take him away from mental 
application, and keep him for a while free to enter the 
ministry when he might be able. He accepted the ap- 
pointment, travelled much, preached and addressed con- 
gregations at different places without much study, and 
soon regained a comfortable degree of health. 



CHAPTER IV. 

FIRST PASTORATE. 

1832-1834. 

AS agent of the Northern Baptist Education Society, 
Mr. Binney visited West Boylston, Massachusetts. 
The church was without a pastor, and seemed in danger 
of so remaining. It was divided into two well-defined 
parties, but both were pleased with the young preacher, 
then twenty-three years of age, and invited him to re- 
main with them. He was again troubled. He had not 
taken a thorough course of education, and he deemed 
such a course almost essential to success. On the other 
hand, this was an important field, and the prospect of 
bringing about a state of harmony and co-operation in 
the church was attractive. Would it imply giving up 
entirely the foreign work ? 

Again he laid the case before Dr. Sharp. His friend 
advised him to remain, and now that his health was bet- 
ter, to stipulate with the church that he should have 
much quiet time for stud) 7 . He had begun to preach, 
and loved the employment, and thought that he might 
'still, while preaching, prepare himself for the foreign 
work, the hope of which he had never fully relinquished. 
There was enough to be done in this church without 

41 



42 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

extra study. They needed and desired to build a new 
house of worship, but their divisions made it difficult to 
commence. In accepting their invitation, he made the 
condition that they should unitedly "Arise and build ; " 
that he must not be expected to know anything of their 
differences ; and that all parties should so ignore the 
past that the wounds might heal in the natural way by 
rest and time. The house was soon commenced, and 
was completed with all possible despatch. He took the 
deepest interest in it, was consulted by the brethren and 
allowed to be the leading mind in its construction. Not 
that he gave much time to the details involved in carry- 
ing out the plan ; but he took a daily walk to the new 
building, and was an inspiration to all. When it was 
finished, it was one of the best houses of worship in 
Worcester County ; and even in these times of vastly 
increased expenditure in this line, it is considered a 
handsome and convenient edifice for a country church. 

So soon as it was completed, and it had been dedi- 
cated to the service of the Lord, Mr. Binney was 
requested to be ordained and become the permanent 
pastor. 

The fifteen months he had been with them had been 
prosperous times with the church. Mr. Binney had en- 
joyed better health than while giving himself exclusively 
to study, though he made great efforts for mental im- 
provement. He had, with the best advice, selected a 
good library, consisting of books which he then needed, 
and would always need, having mostly reference to his 
professional requirements. Few of our best city pastors 
had a more complete library, and several hours each day 



FIRST PASTORATE. 



43 



were given to systematic study. He told his people 
from the pulpit at what hours he would be in his study, 
and that at all other times he was at their service; even 
then, if they really needed him. But with a considera- 
tion on their part for which he was most grateful, he 
was rarely interrupted. Besides pursuing a systematic 
course of study, he wrote one sermon, and often two, 
every week. He was learning to extemporize, but did 
so with great timidity, and his extemporaneous sermons, 
as he called them, cost him more thought than those 
which were written, but confined him less to his desk. 

With many misgivings he was casting anchor in home 
waters. He assented to the request of the church, 
and a council was called, to meet on the fifteenth of 
May, 1832, "to consider the expediency of setting apart 
Mr. Joseph G. Binney as their pastor, and if they should 
find satisfaction, to proceed to ordination." Of this 
Council, Rev. Abisha Samson, the honored father of Rev. 
G. W. Samson, D. D. ; was moderator; and Rev. Abiel 
Fisher, Mr. Binney's predecessor in the pastoral office, 
was clerk; Rev. Henry Jackson, D. D., then of Charles- 
town, gave the charge to the candidate ; and Rev. Eben- 
ezer Nelson, of West Cambridge, preached the sermon. 
All these, with the deacons of the church, whom he so 
much revered and loved, after serving their day and 
generation with rare consecration and ability, have 
passed to their reward. 

The relation of an amusing incident, which occurred 
about this time, will perhaps hardly be considered a 
digression. Mr. Jackson had been called to go by the 
old-fashioned stage coach more than forty miles to per- 



44 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

form his part in the ordination service for his young 
friend. He was pre-eminently the founder of the 
Charlestown Female Seminary. This was the first Bap- 
tist institution of the kind in New England, and de- 
signed to give to Baptist young ladies the advantages 
which Mount Holyoke was giving to Pedobaptists. 
His relation to the institution was such that both pupils 
and teachers were greatly attached to, and were on 
most intimate and familiar terms with, him. Miss Juli- 
ette Pattison was an associate teacher in the Seminary, 
and frequently a guest in his family. When Mr. Jack- 
son returned from West Boylston, after an absence of 
two or three days, Miss Pattison called to welcome him 
home. He heard her voice at the door, and called out 
from the top of the stairs : 

" Walk right up, Juliette ; come to my study. I am 
glad to see you, I want to tell you all about the ordina- 
tion, and all about Mr. Binney." 

He then went on to describe the pretty scenery in the 
midst of which the little village nestled, the character of 
the church and people of the village and town, its new 
meeting-house, the history of the young pastor, of his 
having but recently become a Baptist, his delicate health, 
in consequence of which he had failed to complete his 
college course. 

" But," he added, " he has a choice library, and will 
do all the more in the line of study, for his having been 
unable to take a regular course." " Now," said he, 
"Juliette, I want you to hear my charge to Mr. Binney. 
I want to see if you like it." 

Then he playfully rose and led her across the room, 



FIRST PASTORATE. 45 

telling her to stand there, while he stood on the opposite 
side and delivered the charge to her. This he did with 
some passing comments, especially on the use he had 
made of Paul's advice to Timothy, to use a little wine. 
Said he, " I charged Mr. Binney to use but little, and 
that for his bodily infirmities." 

He little knew the agitation of feeling he was exciting. 
Miss Pattison and Mr. Binney had been corresponding 
for several months, but on account of her connection 
with the Seminary, he had been asked to discontinue his 
visits till she returned to her brother in Providence 
to spend her vacation. To make her self-control still 
more difficult, he added as he brought her back to her 
seat, ."I gave him a private charge also; I told him that 
now he was ready to be married, I hoped he would lose 
no time in that direction." 

Miss Pattison took the opportunity to make some in- 
quiries, which she had wished to make before, but 
could not without revealing her personal interest in the 
matter. He answered all her questions frankly, but 
said very decidedly, " These things do not concern you, 
Juliette. He does not know you; and if he did, if he 
dare to lay sacrilegious hands on the Seminary he will 
hear from me again." He was greatly surprised six 
months later to find that Miss Pattison had sent in her 
resignation as teacher ; but Mr. Binney called upon him 
the same day to explain the special reason of her doing 
so. Though Mr. Jackson did not approve of Mr. Bin- 
ney's interference with, the Seminary, he did not allow it 
to break their friendship, but in a short time concluded 
that he loved the young pastor all the better for the 



46 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA H. 

" new tie " between them. His marriage took place in 

1833. 

Mr. Binney had now been with the church more than 
two years. They knew him well and loved him, and 
were glad when he told them of his purpose soon to 
bring his bride to dwell with them. But would the city 
girl be happy in a country town, with a considerable 
manufacturing population, and with a church largely 
composed of farmers and their families ? While all re- 
ceived her most cordially, a few betrayed a little anxiety. 
A short acquaintance, however, allayed their fears. 
They learned that the " city girl " was the daughter of a 
good Baptist minister, brought up in the country, and 
that her being the sister of a city pastor and having had 
a little experience of city life, had not diminished but 
intensified her love of country scenery, and her sympathy 
with country trials and country pleasures. It was the 
pastor, and not his wife, who had " to learn their country 
ways ; " but he had shown so much tact in doing so, that 
they had not realized that he was not one of them. 

That autumn and early winter were ever remembered 
by both as among the happiest of their many happy 
days. With an intelligent and appreciative church and 
congregation, indulgent with regard to pastoral visits, 
yet always glad to welcome them to their homes ; 
generous in sustaining all the interests of the church 
and cause generally; generous in their sympathies and 
encouragement, there was nothing in those respects to 
mar their happiness. Then again there were fewer in- 
terruptions to study than in most city churches, and 
time for study was deemed, under the circumstances, a 



FIRST PASTOR A TE. 



47 



priceless boon. Though no great revival of religion 
took place, yet conversions were very frequent, and the 
church was greatly revived and encouraged. 

•But this almost unmingled happiness was not long 
enjoyed. On a very cold Lord's Day, in the month of 
February, Mr. Binney, while preaching, fainted, and was 
carried from the pulpit to the house of his physician 
near by. After restoratives, and a little rest, he was 
taken to his home, which he did not leave again for 
several weeks. When he did again leave, it was to be 
taken on a bed, in a sleigh, the last sleighing of the sea- 
son, to his father's house in East Cambridge. There 
with the cheerful surroundings and good nursing, he 
soon rallied, and returned to his grateful people. 

During the next summer and autumn, he pursued his 
studies, with his accustomed regularity and zeal: but 
there was a change in his preaching and intercourse 
with his people, which was felt by all ; and the Spirit 
accompanied his labors with demonstration and power. 
Of this more will be said hereafter. 

It may be thought that so much study must be at the 
sacrifice of faithful pastoral duties : but it is believed 
that no real pastoral duty was neglected. The sick and 
those in any kind of trial were promptly visited; and 
that he might not be ignorant of any 'such, he had 
helpers in the church, whom he asked as a personal 
favor to seek out and inform him of all cases requiring 
attention. He spent one day every week in pastoral 
visits, taking neighborhoods by turns, and keeping an 
account of every visit made, that there might be no neg- 
lect anywhere. He entered into his work for the wel- 
5 



48 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

fare of the church, with an interest seldom surpassed. 
As the parties have now mostly passed away, there can 
be no harm in giving a single example of his interest in 
the social and mental, as well as the religious, improve- 
ment of his people. It is but a specimen case. 

He was accustomed to visit a farmer's family, where 
both the man and his wife were members of his church, 
living somewhat retired from the people generally. 
The man was prospering in business, but saw little com- 
pany at his house. The wife was an intelligent, good 
Christian woman, having a large family of children, but 
none of an age to render her much assistance. She 
worked hard, seldom left her home, and had become 
very indifferent to her personal appearance, and to that 
of her household. While the farm and barns were neat 
and tidy to a degree to elicit frequent admiration, the 
house, wife, and children were quite the reverse. The 
first time Mr. Binney took his wife to visit them, he pre- 
pared her for what she was to meet, but as the family 
had never seemed to be conscious that all was not as it 
should be, he did not give them notice of his intended 
visit. The good couple were both evidently discon- 
certed. Even the older children hesitated, and for the 
first time were shy of their pastor. The pleasure of the 
visit was marred by the evident embarrassment, and the 
visit shortened. 

On leaving, Mr. Binney said, in a familiar way. 

" Brother D , the first time you come to the vil- 
lage, I would like to see you on a little matter of busi- 
ness, and would be obliged to you if you would come 
to my study." 



FIRST PAS TO RA TE. 49 

"I am not very busy just now, and will be very glad 
to serve you, pastor, at any time you will name." 

The day and hour were fixed. At the appointed time, 
Brother D was in the pastor's study, where the fol- 
lowing conversation, in substance, took place. 

" Brother D , I see your farm, and stock, and barns 

all show you to be prospering in your affairs. If you 
are not in debt, — and I am told you are not, — the world 
is going pretty well with you." 

" Yes, pastor, I certainly have no reason to complain. 
I am doing as well as I have any right to expect, and 
am satisfied, and I hope grateful. Can I do anything 
for you, pastor?" 

" No, Brother D ., I want to put you in a way of 

doing better for yourself. Will you allow me to speak 
freely, and believe that I only wish to help you?" 

"I will, pastor; say all that is in your heart to say." 

The result of the conversation soon appeared. A re- 
spectable middle-aged woman, needing a home and em- 
ployment, was brought into the house; and the poor 
worn and weary wife and mother, thus relieved of her 
too many and heavy burdens, was able to attend better 
to her family. A new room was added to the house, 
and pleasantly furnished, where not only guests could 
be properly entertained, but where elder members of the 
family could gather, and spend a social evening free from 
domestic interruptions. A new sleigh was soon noticed 
taking the two tidy, happy children to church; and the 
whole character of the family, now rapidly growing up, 
was changed by the faithful pastor having dared to 
start them on the right course. He never revealed the 



50 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

secret ; but as the room was always called " Mr. Bin- 
ney's room," probably Brother D , has not been en- 
tirely reticent. 

The young people of the' church were encouraged to 
use their leisure for self-improvement; and parents who 
were able to do so were encouraged to send their children 
to better schools than they had at home. An intelli- 
gent lady of the church told another in the presence of 
the pastor's wife, what was doubtless true, "that the 
people generally were aspiring to a higher plane of 
mental as well as religious culture." 

But the next winter made it evident that the painful 
scenes of the preceding year would be repeated if Mr. 
Binney remained in West Boylston, and in December, 
1834, he resigned his pastoral charge. 

In an article by Rev. S. S. Cutting, D. D., published 
in the Examiner and Chronicle soon after Mr. Binney's 
death, the character of his labors in West Boylston and 
Southbridge is truthfully and vividly portrayed. We 
quote so much of the article as is relevant to our pres- 
ent purpose. 

It was in December, 1835, that I went to West Boylston, where 
I was ordained the March following. Mr. Binney had been gone 
a year, but he had left an impression of his character and life 
which made me anxious to know him. I heard above all things 
of the marvels of his study, and the diligence and wisdom of his 
ministry. My first home in West Boylston was in the family of 
the late Deacon Joseph White, where Mr. Binney had his home 
before me. It was from Mrs. White, who still lives in extreme 
old age to mourn the loss of our common friend, that I had the 
story of Mr. Binney's habits of study, which so stimulated me. 
At a late day, when I came to know Mr. Binney, I learned some 



FIRST PASTOR A TE. 5 I 

things about these studies, characteristic of the man and his life, 
which probably she had not known. Mr. Binney was very ill at 
West Boylston, so ill that he lingered on the confines of the 
eternal world. " Then," said he, " my ministry came up before 
me ; I saw it all ; I could say from my heart, ' I have preached 
the truth ; ' but I saw that I had done it under a mistaken view 
of my duty and my responsibility. I had thought it was my 
duty to unfold the truth ; to lay it before my hearers and leave it 
there. It was their business, not mine, to apply it, I saw how 
utterly inadequate and mistaken was this view. I was not ready 
to go to my account ; and I made a vow, that should it please 
God to spare my life, I would bring the truth home to the hearts 
and consciences of men. I was spared, and the first thing I did 
was to burn all my sermons, and to begin anew with this distinct 
purpose." 



CHAPTER V. 

WINTER IN BALTIMORE. 

1834— 1835. 

SOON after his resignation, he went to Baltimore, to 
escape the rigors of a New England winter. He 
would gladly have gone farther south, but Provi- 
dence, as he thought, opened the door for his being use- 
ful in Baltimore, and he entered the open door. The 
Baptist interests in that city, at that time, were very low. 
Antinomianism had sapped the vitality of religion 
among the churches; they seldom had accessions, and 
dwindled in graces, as well as in numbers. Anti-mis- 
sionary feeling prevailed, and many warm Christian 
hearts in other places were moved, and asking, "What 
can be done for Baltimore ?" 

William Crane had first removed there from Rich- 
mond, Virginia, where, in connection with his brother, 
James C. Crane, he had been a leader and prominent 
supporter of an important church. But the church had 
become strong, and had a strong man, Rev. James B. 
Taylor, as its pastor, and Mr. Crane was not so much 
needed as formerly. He made considerable pecuniary 
sacrifice, and greater sacrifices in social and church con- 
nections, and came to Baltimore, established himself in 
business, and set about the work for which he had been 
52 



WINTER IX BALTIMORE. 53 

induced to make these sacrifices. Mr. Crane, unaided, 
purchased the large edifice, formerly used and still 
owned by the Calvert Street Church, though nearly ex- 
tinct; thoroughly renovated it inside and out, and fitted 
it up nicely. It was an attractive place, and had there 
been no old prejudices to contend with, would have 
drawn many to its interests. Its past history was against 
it; still Mr. Crane, with characteristic hope and confi- 
dence, thought if the right man could be found to come 
to his aid, it would be a success. Learning of Mr. 
Binney's resignation, and the cause of it, he laid the 
case before him, most truthfully, as it appeared to his 
own mind, and invited his co-operation. The invitation 
was accepted, without much deliberation. The mission- 
ary feature of the work, and the almost certain success 
which appeared to loom up before him in the not dis- 
tant future, were exceedingly attractive. He entered 
with zeal upon his work. As yet no church was organ- 
ized, but a council of two or three neighboring ministers 
was soon called, and a church formed, consisting, with 
two or three exceptions, of Mr. Crane and family. Not 
one person of means or influence was found willing to 
cast in his lot among them. The congregation was often 
composed of Mr. Crane and family, with a personal 
friend or two, and the few little children brought in from 
the streets to the Sunday-school; and this in spite of 
advertising in the papers, religious and secular. Occa- 
sionally, when there was no exercise in some of the 
other churches, a few of their members, out of respect 
to Mr. Crane and Mr. Binney, would come. It was very 
discouraging. 



54 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

Mr. Crane naturally thought that the preaching, and 
the means used by the preacher, were not adapted to the 
need. He invited one of the most popular men then in 
Virginia, the Rev. John Kerr, to come for a fortnight to 
hold meetings every night. He did so, and people came 
to hear him. His sermons abounded in anecdote and 
apt illustrations, and often in facetious remarks, which 
convulsed his hearers with laughter. But he preached 
the truth also, and often with solemnity and power, yet 
it was not known that any body was converted, and 
when he left, and even before he left, the congregations 
were dwindling down to their former dimensions. Rev. 
James B. Taylor, Mr. Crane's old pastor, came to his aid, 
and with no larger result. 

In the mean time, some of the other churches were 
being aroused, and the First Church, more generally 
known as the Circular Church, had called the Rev. 
Stephen P. Hill, of Massachusetts, to be their pastor. 

Mr. Binney felt that a mistake had been made in 
attempting to do any thing with the Calvert Street 
Church. It would even be better now to abandon it, 
and unite in raising the tone of the other churches, 
especially that of the First Church. An entirely new 
interest might prosper, but this was a hopeless effort for 
him, though another and different man might possibly 
succeed. 

This view Mr. Crane was unwilling to accept. A fair 
trial had not been made. If after one year, no more 
encouragement appeared, he would consent to the move- 
ment. Mr. Binney hesitated, lest it might seem dishon- 
orable to abandon Mr. Crane so soon; but as he was 



WINTER IN BAL TIMORE. 



55 



sure he had taken the wrong road, he was reluctant to 
pursue it farther. Dr. Sharp was expected soon to be 
in Baltimore, on his way to Richmond, to attend the 
Baptist Triennial Convention for Foreign Missions. 
Both agreed to lay the case fully before him, and to 
abide by his decision. 

Without hesitation, Dr. Sharp thought Mr. Binney at 
liberty to leave the interest entirely to Mr. Crane. It 
was better for both that he should do so. The an- 
nouncement of the decision was received, not only by 
Mr. Crane, but by his estimable wife and every member 
of the family, with unfeigned regret. Mutual friendships 
had been formed. Mr. Crane's unreserved consecration 
to the cause of Christ, his self-denials in promoting it in 
every possible way, and his generous confidence in Mr. 
Binney were appreciated by him, and Mr. Binney's suc- 
cess in after life in the various departments of labor 
gave- Mr. Crane sincere pleasure. His house was Mr. 
Binney's home ever afterward, if for any reason he had 
occasion to stop in Baltimore. 

This apparent failure was at first very humiliating to 
Mr. Binney. But the winter spent in Baltimore was not 
a failure in the divine plan ; so far as he personally was 
concerned, he always believed that the Lord had a 
special purpose of discipline and training, and this was 
to him a very profitable winter. Though not in the way 
he had anticipated, yet in a quiet and almost unrecog- 
nized way, he really did a good work in Baltimore. 
Though the Lord humbled and proved him, yet he did 
not refuse to make him an instrument of much good to 
his people. 



56 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Allusion has been made to the anti-mission feeling, 
throughout the Baptist Churches of Baltimore. Mr. and 
Mrs. Binney had many opportunities socially to speak 
on this subject, of which they did not fail to avail them- 
selves ; and Mr. Binney was invited to preach on the 
Foreign Mission Work in the First Church. A good 
deal of interest was awakened. His manner of looking 
at the subject was new ; and, strange to say, to many 
inquiring minds, the last command of the Saviour came 
with something of the charm of novelty. It was much 
spoken of wherever he met intelligent members of the 
various churches in social circles; and often spoken 
against as well. 

As the time drew near for the Triennial Meeting of 
the American Baptist Convention, to be held in Rich- 
mond, Virginia, in April, 1835, an effort was made to 
interest the ladies in forming a Missionary Society, and 
by contributing one hundred dollars to send their pastor, 
the Rev. S. P. Hill, as their first delegate. Although 
the ladies of the First Church were asked to take the 
lead, others were invited to join them. Mr. and Mrs. 
Binney visited the leading members, and every influence 
drawn from the word of God and from their own obser- 
vation and experience, as the consequence of disobedience 
to the Saviour's last legacy and command, was used. 
The anomalous position of the Baptists of Baltimore 
sending no delegate to the Convention was also argued. 
Finally, when all seemed ripe for action, with the ap- 
proval of the pastor, a meeting was appointed in the 
lecture room of the church. Mr. Hill and Mr. Binney 
opened the meeting with prayer, and after brief addresses 



WINTER IN BAL TIMOR E. 5 7 

went away. Mrs. Binney did not dare to call for an 
organization and the election of officers, lest all would 
decline to act, but said a few words to the ladies, and 
called upon them to give their names. A few had 
promised ; but they were too timid to come forward, 
and it seemed for a time as if the meeting would have 
to be dismissed and nothing accomplished. At length 
one lady, of a good deal of influence, responded cheer- 
fully; another and another gave their names, the hundred 
dollars and more were given, and officers for the year 
chosen. 

Such was the reaction of feeling when this was accom- 
plished that Mrs. Binney, whose voice had never before 
been heard except " where two or three were gathered 
together," said " Let us pray." In the midst of intense 
excitement, yet most profound feeling, she mingled with 
a brief supplication for a blessing upon the new organiza- 
tion, words of joyful thanksgiving and praise. On 
hastening from the church to report to her husband, 
she had to go but a few steps before she met him walk- 
ing back and forth, lingering near, in order to learn the 
result; and when with enlivened step they walked 
homeward together, Mr. Crane met them with eager 
congratulations. Others too were waiting. 

And what was there in this simple gathering of a few 
ladies in a large city that should have caused such in- 
tense feeling? There was this : Christ was so dishonored 
by his churches living in utter neglect of the command 
and example of him who had suffered unto death, in 
order to save the lost and perishing, that it was feared 
other candlesticks would be removed out of their places; 



58 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

and this looked like remembering " from whence they 
had fallen " and returning to their first love. Angels 
too were doubtless hovering near to carry the news of 
the first evidences of repentance to the shining realms 
above. 

Thus was formed the first Baptist' Missionary Society 
in the city of Baltimore. This narrative presents so 
striking a contrast to the present condition of the 
churches in one of the foremost of our cities, in every 
good word and work, that it must seem almost incredible 
to this generation. A few only linger, to whom this 
account will be no surprise. 

The following April, Mr. Binney attended the meeting 
of the American Baptist Convention held at Richmond, 
to which reference has already been made. It was in 
many respects a most extraordinary meeting. For the 
first time England sent delegates to. greet their brethren 
west of the Atlantic. All the leading men, north and 
south met together. Rev. Spencer H. Cone, D. D., of 
New York, presided with grace and dignity rarely 
equalled. All who came were entertained with hospi- 
tality unlimited. 

Mr. Binney had most earnestly desired to attend this 
meeting, not only that he had anticipated in it a rich 
opportunity for enjoyment; but his heart was thor- 
oughly in the work to be promoted by it, and he great- 
ly wished to become better acquainted with the Baptist 
ministry. He wished, however, to attend as a delegate, 
that he might the more freely mingle in its councils and 
learn its methods of work ; but he had no church or 
other body to represent. He spoke of this to no one. 



WIXTER IX BALTIMORE. 



59 



The ladies of the new organization, however, began to 
think and talk about it. " Mr. Binney had made it pos- 
sible for them to send their pastor, and now it would be 
pleasant for them to raise another hundred dollars and 
add Mr. Binney's name as one of their delegates." 
This, for obvious reasons, he discouraged. The time 
drew near; delegates from the North were arriving in 
Baltimore en route for Richmond, and he was still 
doubtful whether he should be able to go in a satisfac- 
tory way, and therefore thinking it would be better for 
him not to go at all, when he received credentials from 
the Worcester County Association, of which he had 
been a member, as one of their delegates, with the 
necessary funds for meeting all expenses. This unex- 
pected kindness and courtesy enabled him to go cheer- 
fully. He was young, and a stranger to the body 
generally ; and, as was fitting, he was for the most part 
a quiet listener ; but wherever present, whether in the 
social gathering or public meetings, it was most appa- 
rent that his convictions, as well as his sympathies, 
were strongly enlisted in Foreign Missions. 

When he was heard it was very evident that he 
neither spoke nor prayed in behalf of missions because 
it afforded a fine theme for the display of rhetoric. So 
thoroughly informed was he with regard to all that had 
been accomplished on the foreign field, both by the 
American Board and by the Baptists, that information 
was repeatedly sought of him, as if he had actually been 
on the field himself. On his return to Baltimore he 
said to his wife, " I do not think I shall ever attend an- 
other meeting; of that kind. ' What doest thou here, 
6 



60 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Elijah?' is almost constantly sounding in my ears." 
But in his delicate state of health the Mission Board 
would probably not then have sent him abroad. 

He went from Richmond directly to his father's house 
in East Cambridge, near Boston, to spend the summer 
and await the leadings of Providence. He had aban- 
doned the hope of going abroad, and well nigh the 
hope of being able to preach in New England, but was 
cheerful and trustful. He gathered his books about him 
again, and lost no time in idle waiting. 



I 



CHAPTER VI. 

SOUTIIBRIDGE PASTORATE. 

1835 — 1837. 

N the latter part of July, 1835, while quietly pursuing his 
studies, and each Lord's Day supplying some vacant 
pulpit in Boston or its environs, he received an invita- 
tion to spend a Sunday in Southbridge, Massachusetts. 
This he at once accepted, for he had no other engage- 
ment, and he loved to preach, and never lost an oppor- 
tunity. He knew nothing of the church or people, but 
took pains to learn something of both. He ascertained 
on the Saturday of his arrival that there was in the con- 
gregation a variety of tastes as well as of beliefs. There 
was a good, intelligent, prosperous farming population, of 
which the church was largely composed ; but a respect- 
able minority of artisans, successful business men, with a 
small number of professional men. The feeling of class 
in the place was as strong as in any of our large cities, 
and perhaps stronger, from the necessity of asserting 
itself if recognized at all. The pew-holders were not all 
Baptists, but Unitarians and Universalists were influential 
members of the society; and, though not actually having 
a voice in the calling of a pastor, yet their influence was 
none the less felt. It was suggested that it would be 

61 



62 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

well " not to hurt feelings unnecessarily." This Mr. Bin- 
ney would have been most unwilling to do, but he 
thought it very necessary that to such the gospel should 
be plainly preached, and he aimed to do so. He preached 
twice in the day, and attended a meeting for conference 
and prayer in the evening, according to the custom of 
the church. After a short evening service the church 
and society were invited to remain a few moments. The 
object of their remaining was made known to Mr. Bin- 
ney the next day, by a paper handed him by a dele- 
gate appointed for the purpose. He was unanimously 
invited to become the pastor of the Southbridge Bap- 
tist Church. Those who could not concur in his 
doctrinal views believed him to be an able, honest man, 
and wished to unite in the call. 

This paper was handed him just as he was stepping into 
the stage coach to leave for Boston. He was taken by 
surprise, and could give no reply then. He said, how- 
ever, that he would go home and after consultation with 
his wife, and further prayerful consideration, write them, 
or as he hoped to be with them the following Lord's 
Day, he might then be able to give them a definite 
answer. So he left them. A young gentleman, a friend 
of the family, chanced to be spending the Sunday in 
Southbridge, and preceded Mr. Binney a few hours in 
his arrival in Boston. He at once called on Mrs. Bin- 
ney, and made known that her husband had received a 
call to the pastorate of the church at Southbridge. 

"And what did he say to that?" 

"Well, he said he could give them no answer unt'l 
he had consulted his wife." This was said with a curl 



SO UTHB RIDGE PASTORATE. 63 

of the lip, which showed very plainly what he thought 
of the reply. 

The observant eye of the grandmother saw it; she saw, 
too, that the wife looked troubled, and instantly relieved 
the case by saying : 

" That, probably was not the entire reply ; he must 
have been unprepared, as he could not have anticipated 
the invitation ; and as, if he should accept it, he would 
not go to Southbridge alone, it was but right and natural 
that he should consult her, whose happiness is as much 
involved in the decision as his own ; and it would not 
be like Joseph to be ashamed to declare his purpose of 
doing what he knew he ought to do." 

There was nothing more said on the subject, and the 
young gentleman soon took leave. 

The next Sunday Mr. Binney spent in Southbridge, 
when he gave a favorable response to the call. He stated 
frankly his fear that his stay with them would be short, 
but he was anxious to make one more trial of a New 
England pastorate. The providence of God had seemed 
to point in that direction, and as they knew all the his- 
tory of his ministry he would not hesitate to accept. 

The week following his furniture was purchased in 
Boston, and preceded by a few days the arrival of the 
pastor and his wife. When they reached Southbridge 
they were escorted by several of the brethren directly 
to the parsonage, where a company of ladies were en- 
gaged in laying down carpets, arranging furniture, fur- 
nishing the store-room, and attending to other requi- 
sites. Even the books were unpacked and arranged 
upon the shelves. A warm dinner was soon prepared 

6* 



64 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

for a large company in their own dining-room, and be- 
fore the evening closed they were quite settled at house- 
keeping. This reception was very cheering. Recogni- 
tion services were held in the church the September 
following. A little delay had been caused, in order that 
the repairs which they were making on the church edi- 
fice when he was invited to become their pastor might 
be completed. The church building was an old one, 
but capacious, and had just been considerably modern- 
ized and newly painted and furnished, so that it was 
quite attractive as well as comfortable. 

With regard to the impression made upon the people 
of Southbridge by Mr. Binney on his first arrival among 
them, and of his labors and success as their pastor, an 
extract from an article of great interest, written by D. 
B. Cheney, D. D., and published in the Standard, Chi- 
cago, soon after his decease, will best tell the story. 
Only so much of the article is taken as relates to the 
present purpose: 

Later in that year (1835), his health being partially restored, 
he settled in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Here I first knew 
him, and his wife, who was a sister of the late Robert E. Patti- 
son, D. D. I remember well their appearance at that time. 
They were both very frail. While dignified in his bearing, to an 
extent now seldom seen in young pastors, he yet always greeted 
his people with genial warmth, and soon made them at ease in 
his presence. 

During his first winter in Southbridge a precious revival oc- 
curred in one of the public schools of the town. The converts 
connected with his congregation he taught with great painstak- 
ing and care. In the ensuing spring he baptized in one day 
twenty-two, mostly children and youth, in the river that runs 



SOU TUB RIDGE PASTORATE. 65 

past the town, when cakes of ice were floating around him. The 
public interest was very great. Never before had such a com- 
pany of young people been baptized there. Some blamed the 
pastor, and thought it would cost him his life, in view of the fee- 
ble state of his health. A great crowd witnessed the scene. No 
harm, however, came to pastor or candidates, and a more stead- 
fast company of Christians a pastor seldom welcomes to a 
church than those young people proved themselves to be by 
their later lives. 



But Mr. Binney's stay in Southbridge also was short. 
He became satisfied that he could not live in New Eng- 
land. Indeed, many of his friends thought he would 
fill an early grave. Hence he tore himself away from a 
people by whom he was almost idolized, and soon after 
settled in Savannah, Georgia. 

In this connection may be mentioned some of the 
more marked characteristics of his ministry. As al- 
ready stated, he was a close student. His sermons bore 
the marks of careful preparation. He possessed a won- 
derful power of analysis. He could open a subject be- 
fore his people so that they could look at it in almost 
every possible light, and in this way he caused the truth 
to make impressions not easily effaced. He ordinarily 
covered but little ground in a single sermon. He seized 
rather upon a single point, and drove that home with 
all his power. 

As a pastor, Mr. Binney was emphatically the over- 
seer of his church. He was a born leader ; but he knew 
how to lead so as to make the people feel that they were 
leading themselves. He maintained a very high stan- 
dard of discipline in his churches. He sought to make 



66 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

them in the best sense training schools for Christian 
labor. He possessed great tact in working through 
others, and reaching important results where his own 
hand would not appear. While he always was gentle 
and kind, in an eminent degree, in his relations to his 
people, he was also one of the most inflexible men in 
the maintenance of right. His persistency of purpose 
was one of the most marked characteristics of his life 
None could know him without soon learning that he 
had a mind of his own, and that he was governed by 
his own clearly defined convictions of truth and duty. 
That he possessed rare talents for the pastorate would 
doubtless be the testimony of all who knew him in that 
relation; yet God, in his providence, was arranging that 
he should do his great work on a widely different field 
of labor. 

During the two years of Mr. Binney's ministry in 
Southbridge, he had the privilege of baptizing some 
very choice young persons, whom while he lived he 
loved to call his " Southbridge children." Amongst these 
was Miss Catherine B. Morse. He baptized, and married 
her to the Rev. Levi Hall, and publicly consecrated her 
to her chosen work. In July, 1836, just two months after 
reaching the shores of Arracan, she was called to enter 
upon her reward. Who shall say that the sacrifice was 
too costly? She did not so deem it, when, in vivid re- 
membrance of the terrible sea-sickness and other suffer- 
ings caused by sailing in an unseaworthy vessel, and now 
suffering from a raging fever, and in anticipation of a 
speedy death, she sent back her dying message to her al- 
most idolized, stricken parents — " I am not sorry for the 



SOUTHBRIDGE PASTORATE. 6 J 

offering I have laid upon the altar, and you must not be 
sorry; do not in your hearts take it back." The hus- 
band died two months later. This, in a worldly sense, 
untoward termination of many hopes did not diminish, 
but quickened greatly the missionary zeal of the church. 
The writer of the article from which the above extract 
is taken was also "one of his Southbridge boys." It 
always gave him great pleasure to follow their course 
in life, and to observe how loyally most of them have 
borne themselves through life's struggles and tempta- 
tions. He has often been heard to say that " wherever 
he found one of his Southbridge or West Boylston 
children, there he was pretty sure to find an active 
worker for the foreign mission cause." This was to 
him the touch-stone as to their fidelity in other labor 
for Christ. He used to say, " People do not work and 
pray for the salvation of the heathen, and stand indiffer- 
ent as to the salvation of their kindred and neigh- 
bors." 

Those were pleasant years for the young pastor in 
Southbridge. Two nobler men than the two senior 
deacons are seldom found in any church, and to them, 
as has been said in relation to the deacons in West 
Boylston, he was greatly indebted for his success as pas- 
tor. The younger of the two was an elder brother of 
the Rev. David B. Cheney, D. D., a man capable of 
appreciating the labors of the pastor, and who co-operat- 
ed with him in every possible way, and whose work the 
Master blessed and honored in a wonderful manner. 

Deacon Cole, the senior deacon, was like a loving 
father to both the pastor and his wife. Indeed, the 



68 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

church generally seemed to have a paternal as well as 
a fraternal feeling towards them. 

A reminiscence of the manner in which the deacon re- 
ceived his new pastor will show something of the spirit 
of the man on whom Mr. Binney so much relied. The 
parsonage was an old-fashioned cottage, painted white, 
with green blinds, sufficiently roomy, and with pleasant 
surroundings. Though the interval between Mr. Bin- 
ney's acceptance of their invitation and his coming to 
them was very short, yet, with a promptness which was 
characteristic of that church, they had put the house 
in perfect order; and even the "picket fence" which en- 
closed the grounds, had received a new coat of paint. 
The inside had also been freshly painted and papered, 
and mostly in excellent taste ; but the dining-room and 
kitchen had always been painted a dark, sombre hue, and 
the new coat of paint was not unlike its predecessors. 
On first entering these rooms with only her husband, 
Mrs. Binney exclaimed, 

"These rooms are dark and gloomy." 

" Yes, I see they are, but this must not be said aloud. 
A very little expense would put on a light coat of paint 
and greatly change their appearance ; but, though I 
would not mind doing it to make them more cheerful 
for you, yet I fear it might be very unwise." 

There, as Mrs. Binney supposed, the matter ended. 
The next morning, hoivever, the deacon called, and in 
speaking of what had been done to the parsonage, in- 
quired how Mrs. Binney liked the dining-room. 

" Well, Deacon Cole, to be candid with you, my wife 
is a little sensitive in matters of taste, and I dare say 



SOUTHBRIDGE PASTORATE. 69 

would be positively happier if this dining-room had been 
painted of a lighter color, but she is too sensible a woman 
to allow so small a matter to affect any one else. Besides, 
she is also sensitive to the kindly feelings others may 
entertain toward her ; and I think she would rather I 
had said nothing about it." 

"Ah, I see," replied the deacon, "but we shall not 
allow Mrs. Binney to be selfish in the matter. There 
is another side to the question. If she is anxious to 
stand well with us, we are equally anxious to stand well 
with her ; and if a little white paint will help us to do so, 
I for one claim the right to send the painter here at once." 
This was no sooner said than done ; and the rooms were 
made decidedly more pleasant. 

As has been stated, there was a great diversity of tastes, 
as well as of doctrinal opinions, among the people ; and 
at first it seemed as if it might be difficult to so please 
all, that all might be profited by his ministry ; but Mr. 
Binney had unusual tact in adapting himself to such 
diversity. An incident which occurred the next June 
after his settlement may serve as an illustration. 

A fine, venerable rose-bush, planted by the side of the 
front door, had climbed up by a pillar of the small porch, 
and was covered with roses and numberless buds of 
promise. It was perceived, however, that this beautiful 
creeper was infested with a small insect which threatened 
to destroy its beauty for the season. The result of a coun- 
cil held on the case, appeared the following day, when 
the pastor and his wife mounted a set of steps, armed with 
small brushes and strong soap-suds, bent on a war of 
extermination. While engaged in this humble yet ex- 



JO TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MAN. 

alted employment, two ladies, mother and daughter, 
members of the congregation, drove past. Though rec- 
ognized, it was rather inconvenient speaking to them, 
but while yet near enough to be overheard, the follow- 
ing colloquy took place between them. 

" Well now, that is what I call folly. Can there be 
any real religion where there is so much pride ? " 

" It does not look like it." 
. The next afternoon the horse and chaise were brought 
to the door, and the wife invited to take a drive, to visit 
some farmers' families, and especially to call on the lady 
who had thought the love of roses and the love of Jesus 
could not dwell together. This family was called upon 
first, and an appointment made to return to tea. 
During the evening, which was spent in a very pleasant 
manner, allusion was made to the beautiful rose-bush, 
planted and cherished by their former pastor, of the 
efforts made to preserve its beauty, and of the apparent 
success of these efforts. This touched the right chord. 
The hostess loved her old pastor; and her interest was 
also awakened in behalf of the handsome rose-bush ; and 
when she knew her new pastor and his wife better she 
became their friend. She would often come two or 
three miles of a stormy evening, to the Monday evening 
Monthly Concert, "for prayer for Foreign Missions," 
giving as a reason that Mr. Binney would miss her so if 
she failed to be present. This might have been said of 
every other member who failed to be present at the 
Monthly Concert. They were not only missed, but in- 
quired after ; and they were made to feel that they too 
had missed something which would be a real loss to them. 



SOUTHBRIDGE PASTORATE. 7 I 

On one or two occasions, when the weather was so 
inclement that few were able to go out, the pastor was 
requested to repeat the subject on the following month. 
There was usually a connection with the preceding sub- 
ject, and the hour was always too short. The next 
meeting was generally looked forward to with the 
kind of interest felt in the serials now-a-days. A 
history of some particular mission often formed the 
subject of the meetings for several months, and prayers 
would be offered especially for that mission, its state 
at the time being also brought to notice. There 
was seldom a word read, though the topics of spe- 
cial interest in the last Missionary Magazine were 
always referred to. Every family had the Magazine. 
If any declined taking it, because of inability, a fund 
was raised at • once for such, and the Magazine sent 
them free. There were few such cases. 

Numerous analyses of subjects, presented from time 
to time at monthly concerts, are among his papers, 
prepared with as much care as his sermons, and marked 
West Boylston, Southbridge, Savannah, Elmira, Au- 
gusta, with the various dates, and a fresh bit of paper 
attached, containing items of interest of more recent 
date. The Monthly Concert, when he was pastor, was 
never deemed an uninteresting or an unimportant meet- 
ing, yet the much larger part of the time was spent in 
prayer. 

Another extract from the article by Dr. Cutting's 
graphic pen, from which we have already quoted, will 
throw still further light upon the character of his South- 
bridge pastorate. 
7 



72 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

In November, 1836, I was sent to relieve Mr. Binney, by 
taking his pulpit for a Sunday. It was then that I first met him, 
and then commenced, unconsciously to him, his great influence 
upon my life. I was but a youth of twenty-three years of age ; 
he was twenty-eight, with experience of four years in the minis- 
try. On Monday a furious storm was raging, which detained me 
at his house till the next day. These were busy hours of con- 
verse, which led me to the secret of his power. In June, 1837, I 
was sent for in a similar emergency, with other like opportuni- 
ties of intercourse ; and in August of that year, I was called to 
succeed him at Southbridge. I purchased his furniture, and 
took possession of the parsonage, and it would have been diffi- 
cult to tell who were hosts and who were guests. Faithful pas- 
tor and friend, he had the large " standing committee " of the 
church in the study to a late hour the night before he left, that 
he might, if possible, leave a protracted case of discipline in such 
form as to do no harm to his youthful successor. Pale, slender, 
fragile, he kissed me as if I had been a brother, when he de- 
parted on the morrow, in hope that a sunnier clime would give 
the power to work. His great life shows how wisely and under 
what divine guidance that step was taken. 

I shall not forget the day, when at the Southbridge parsonage 
in one of my instructive conversations with him, I wept that I 
could not approach the standard to which he had attained in 
faith, in the methods and achievements of scudy, in power to 
unfold and send to the heart the truths of the gospel ; he seemed 
so far above me that, though I felt the powerful stimulus of in- 
tercourse with him, I could see no hope that I should be able to 
copy his example. 

Mr. Binney undervalued nothing that belonged to the duties 
of a Christian pastor. Knowledge of the spiritual condition of 
the congregation, attained by personal intercourse only ; faithful 
dealing with individual souls in their struggles ; support for the 
weak, and sympathy for all who were in sorrow ; method in all 
pastoral work, in order to accomplish much of it, — all this he 
understood, and I never heard a lisp of deficiency in what we 
call pastoral labors. But he believed the great function of the 



SOUTHBRIDGE PASTORATE. J 3 

Christian ministry to be to teach ; and hence preaching was with 
him the first care. I was to be his successor in a country con- 
gregation of considerable size, and at that time, somewhat singu- 
larly composed. "Take care of your pulpit," said he, "before all 
things. Bring to it every Sunday the product of a hard week's 
work. Your congregation will never fail to recognize a week's 
industry devoted to their instruction. If you exchange pulpits 
with your brethren, make the best exchange in your power. 
If you are absent and seek a supply, procure the best. Let it be 
understood in Southbridge that the Baptist pulpit never de- 
clines." 

Under the impulse of such an example and such instructions, 
I succeeded this remarkable man. My books passed to the same 
shelves which his had occupied. I prepared my sermons at the 
same desk. It was not in me to repeat his ministry, but if I sat 
at that desk, and held myself to distinct and practical aims, in 
my preparations for preaching, and stated to myself, week after 
week, in distinct terms the exhortation — "do your best or die" — it 
was at least in part, that he still lingered with me, a vital pres- 
ence stimulating the best purposes of my life. 

The picture of Mr. Binney's pleasant relations, both 
in West Boylston and in Southbridge, would not be 
complete without the beautiful background which legit- 
imately belongs to them both, — the character of the 
ministry in the neighborhood. He always deemed it 
one of his greatest blessings, and one to be remembered 
with unmixed pleasure, to have been in so intimate rela- 
tions with such men. In a small circle of neighboring 
towns there were pastors of culture, of talent, and of 
fraternal spirit ; men with whom it was pleasant and 
profitable to exchange pulpits and to hold frequent 
social intercourse; men who so obeyed the apostolic 
injunction, "in honor preferring one another," that, to 



74 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IX BURMAH. 

use his favorite expression, " it was at all times possible 
to be courteous to them." Nothing was more common 
than for some one of the neighboring ministers to drive 
irt at the open gate, which led to a well stored barn, and 
feed his horse, before making his appearance at the front 
door. He would perhaps receive an approving word 
from the study window, where the pastor was hard at 
work and would not be interrupted, till footsteps were 
heard upon the stairs leading to the study, when a warm 
reception and a good time were pretty sure to follow. 
A mid-day dinner, according to the custom of the times 
and place, and the good-byes did not long linger. 
These were usually pleasant times, such as only minis- 
tering brethren on brotherly terms can enjoy. 

But sometimes a different motive brought the dear 
brother to the parsonage. Some trial in his own per- 
sonal experience, or some trial in his church would closet 
them quietly in the study, when Mr. Binney always had 
leisure to make the case his own, and advise as he might 
be able, usually adding, "that would be my way, and 
it may suggest your best way." Sometimes it would be 
in his power to help directly, by an exchange of pulpits 
or in some other way seeking an interview with the dis- 
affected member or "troublesome deacon," a class of 
men with whom, he was accustomed to say, it was his 
good fortune never to have had personal relations. 

Then again, the parsonage was at the junction of two 
important stage routes, so that it was a convenient place 
at which to stop for refreshments, and a social interview 
of an hour or more. The stage running between Bos- 
ton and Hartford, stopped so frequently at the parsonage 



SOUTHBRIDGE PASTORATE. 



75 



at half past twelve o'clock, that it was not considered 
safe to sit down to dinner, till it had passed. This might 
not be always so pleasant, but the cases in which it was 
otherwise were few, and abundantly compensated for by 
the pleasant interviews thus enjoyed. A single instance, 
as a specimen of the way in which those things were 
done, will perhaps bring to mind to some the fashion of 
the times, which changed circumstances have rendered 
in our country quite obsolete. 

On a pleasant day, late in October, as the stage-coach 
was driven into town with the usual flourish of trumpet, 
two pairs of eyes were peering out of the parsonage 
windows, to see if it would stop at the gate. It did stop ; 
and before Mr. Binney could get to it, Dr. Sharp's ven- 
erable head appeared at the stage door calling out: 

"Brother Binney, can you give three hungry men a 
dinner for the sake of an hour's visit, which they are de- 
sirous to have with you?" 

" Yes, Dr. Sharp, my wife will be sure to manage that 
somehow. Come up stairs, refresh yourselves a little and 
look at my library for a few minutes." 

While this was going on up stairs an additional leaf 
lengthened the table, plates were added, and thoughts 
were busy as to ways and means of so suddenly provid- 
ing double rations, when it appeared that another pair 
of eyes had been watching the stage coach. A near 
neighbor, an active member of the church, had seen the 
gentlemen alight, and had sent her two sons, bright lads 
of ten and twelve years, with all possible dispatch, bear- 
ing a large roast fowl, a dish of vegetables, and two large 
pies of the New England style, -all smoking hot and savory. 

7* 



7 6 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA H. 



On entering the dining-room with his guests, the 
anxious look of the host was quickly changed to one of 
relief and pleasure ; and conversation kept pace with the 
progress of the dinner. Dear Dr. Sharp had many in- 
quiries to make of the success and prospects of his 
young friend, while Mr. Binney, ' in turn, plied Dr. 
Bolles, the venerable Secretary of the Mission Board, 
with questions as to the prospects of the work in which 
he was engaged. 

The nice and plenteous dinner was thoroughly en- 
joyed by the travelers, and when their hosts told by 
what means such ample provision was made for them 
so promptly, it afforded a good opportunity to expatiate 
on the kindness of their Southbridge friends, which 
often saved them for several days the necessity of going 
to market. Six weeks even, at one time, had so passed, 
so amply had the table been provided for by thoughtful 
friends. On leaving, with the good-byes and God bless 
yous, almost in concert was the wish repeated, " Long 
may you live in Southbridge." 

Early in the month of July, Mr. and Mrs Binney 
went to Boston to visit friends, and for a rest and change. 
They took a private conveyance, and performed the jour- 
ney of seventy miles in a single day. The fine horse 
seemed to enjoy the journey to the end, showing no 
signs of fatigue. The day was fine and the scenery 
charming. Mr. Binney seldom indulged in either rest 
or recreation; this journey was both. Mrs. Binney sel- 
dom had her husband "all to herself." There were rare 
sweet communings of the past, present, and future. Not 
a cloud was visible on their horizon. 



SOUTHS RIDGE PASTORATE. J J 

After spending a pleasant day or two with relatives 
and friends, Mr. Binney thought it well, before return- 
ing, to call on his Boston physician, Dr. Jackson, and 
see. what he thought of the state of his throat. Two 
years before, when hesitating as to the safety of trying 
another pastorate in New England, he had assured him 
that the trouble was merely bronchial. Yet, he had a 
little persistent cough, which did not give him much 
anxiety: "but it might be well to see the Doctor." On 
his return to the family, visitors were present, and little 
or nothing was said of the Doctor's opinion, until well on 
the way home, when he was asked if his visit to him had 
been satisfactory; he answered promptly and cheerfully, 
in the affirmative. It had been their plan to divide the 
journey and spend a night with a ministering brother, 
and secure an exchange of pulpits, that he might have a 
little longer rest. Just before reaching his friend's house 
he suggested that they should stop at the little tavern 
to rest and refresh themselves and the horse, and then 
drive home by the bright moonlight. He did not feel 
like talking with anybody else. The wife then per- 
ceived that her husband had not been so cheery as 
on the journey to Boston, but she had been so happy 
herself, that she had before failed to detect the change 
in him. Indeed, he had up to that point, taken great 
pains not to mar her enjoyment; but the facts must be 
told: the doctor had pronounced his lungs to be in im- 
minent danger. He must go South as far as Florida, or 
Georgia at least ; and that, not for a winter, but to re- 
main for several years ; and it would be better that he 
should refrain from preaching altogether. Teaching 



78 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

would be better than preaching, but in either case he 
must "flee for his life." 

This was a terrible announcement. Both were natur- 
ally timid, and neither used to, nor fond of, adventure. 
Georgia and Florida were farther off to their minds than 
Asia and Africa were, a few years later. His means 
were small, though, for a young New England pastor, 
they were comfortable. His household furniture, a good 
library, and a few hundred dollars in the bank, were all 
that he possessed. But he owed no man or society of 
men anything but love. His debts to the Education 
Societies had been paid as soon as he had the ability, 
though his Congregational friends were reluctant to 
accept the money. Mr. and Mrs. Binney had never 
spent for themselves anything like the amount of his 
salary ; and, so far as means were concerned, this was the 
first time they had ever felt themselves poor. But now 
the prospect in that respect looked dark ; and the prob- 
ability of having to give up preaching was a thought he 
would not yet allow. As they drove home that moon- 
light evening, and the pretty white parsonage, with its 
pleasant surroundings, appeared in sight, they dared not 
trust themselves to speak, but both inwardly exclaimed, 
" Can we leave thee ?" 

The people were soon informed of the stern necessi- 
ty. The sorrow was general, but on their part the sad 
tidings was not entirely unexpected. Nothing, how- 
ever, could exceed their kindness in this hour of trial. 
When the time to leave arrived, his farewell sermon was 
literally preached among the tears and sobs of the large 
congregation. He was never a "sensational" preacher, 



SOUTHB RIDGE PASTORATE. 79 

but with unaffected truthfulness and simplicity he ex- 
pressed the deep emotions of his heart. He told them 
of his love for his flock, especially for the dear lambs 
that had been born into the fold during his short minis- 
try among them, and that he had buried with Christ in 
baptism, and raised up to walk in newness of life. He 
told them too, of his longing, agonizing desire for the 
salvation of those of his hearers who were still uncon- 
verted, especially of those who were resting on the 
sandy foundation of false views, alike of the justice and 
mercy of God; and appealed to them to bear witness, 
that he had not failed to declare to them from the first, 
"the whole counsel of God." 

Few eyes were dry but his own, as he came down 
from the pulpit, and silently walked to his study, where 
he remained some time alone. When he did appear, it 
was very evident, that though he had restrained himself 
in their presence, yet he "had entered into his chamber 
and wept there." 

The next day one of his parishioners took the pastor 
and his wife in a private carriage as far as Worcester, 
and left them with friends. Just before leaving, Deacon 
Cheney called to say farewell. On taking his hand, 
the pastor's wife, who, though herself in extremely 
delicate health, had kept up helpfully and cheerfully till 
the last, quite broke down, and was only able to sob 
out, 

"We shall never meet another Deacon Cheney." 

"Well, well, I am surprised! You should not be de- 
pressed, you have a very strong arm to lean upon." 

" Yes, I know that," she replied, supposing he meant 



80 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA H. 

the strong arm ; " but we are such creatures of sense, we 
like to see and feel the strong arm encircling us." 

" And you can do both ; I mean the strong arm of 
your husband. He is leaning on the Lord, and you can 
just lean on him. You are all right." 

A little laugh all around relieved the sadness of the 
trying moments wonderfully, and was ever afterward re- 
membered with sincere pleasure. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SAVANNAH PASTORATE. 

1837— 1843. 

ABOUT the time of Mr. Binney's resignation at 
Southbridge, Rev. Jonathan Going, D.D., had just 
returned from a Western tour, made in behalf of the 
American Baptist Home Mission Society. He had en- 
gaged in this work from a deep conviction of its import- 
ance, and labored in it with his accustomed energy and 
zeal. He was a pastor in Worcester, when Mr. Binney 
was in West Boylston, only six miles apart; they knew 
each other well. He had heard of Mr. Binney's resig- 
nation. The Baptists of the West were just establish- 
ing a College or Theological School, or both, at Alton, 
Illinois, to be named in honor of its largest donor, 
Shurtleff. Dr. Going was delegated to procure them a 
President. He did not write to Mr. Binney, but came 
at once to see him. It seemed to him most providential 
that Mr. Binney should now be compelled to abandon 
the pulpit for a season, and that this vacancy should need 
to be filled at the same time. He had thought of apply- 
ing to him before, but did not like to disturb his 
pleasant relations at Southbridge. He thought Mr. 
Binney could be more useful at Alton than in any New 



82 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

England pulpit The latter could and would be filled 
by another, but Alton needed him, and now the 
need was mutual. All night, till the day dawned upon 
them, did these men discuss the claims of the West in 
general, and of Alton in particular. The result was 
that Mr. Binney promised to accept an invitation to 
Alton should one be tendered him, if nothing should 
occur in the meantime to render it possible for him to 
resume pastoral labor. Such an invitation was tendered, 
and he, as good as his word, wrote his acceptance 
promptly. 

But in the meantime, unknown to him, other events 
were transpiring, which led him to change his plans. 
Holmes Tupper, Esq., a wealthy merchant, and a promi- 
nent Deacon of the Baptist Church in Savannah, Geor- 
gia, had been spending the summer, as was his wont, in 
Maine. He had been requested by the Savannah 
Church, then without a pastor, to make inquiries, and if 
possible procure them one. He had not been able to 
learn of any suitable man not engaged, and began his 
return with no prospect of aiding them in that respect. 
On his journey, however, he made some inquiries which 
led to important results. 

Mr. Tupper reached Savannah toward evening, and 
on landing, learned that there was a meeting in session 
in the Baptist Church for the purpose of electing a pas- 
tor. He hastened thither at once. The names of three 
candidates, all Southern men, were before them. After 
several ballotings, it appeared that it would not be pos- 
sible for any one to be elected unanimously, or even by 
a large majority. Just at this point, Mr. Tupper asked 



SA VANNAII PASTOR A TE. 8 3 

permission to add a new name to the candidates before 
further balloting. He told them, that although he had 
left Maine with no hope of being able to aid them in 
procuring a pastor, yet in the stage coach between Bos- 
ton and Providence he had for a fellow passenger, the 
Rev. Dr. Pattison, pastor of the First Baptist Church in 
the latter city, of whom he had made inquiries concern- 
ing a suitable man for Savannah. He had described the 
man they needed as well as he was able, and Dr. Pat- 
tison had told him in reply, that he thought he knew the 
right one for them, and that he could be obtained. He 
hesitated, however, to urge any active measures to pro- 
cure him for two reasons : because, from the extreme 
delicacy of his health, he feared he could not meet the 
wants of a city church; and also, because he was his 
brother-in-law. He recommended him to call on Dr. 
Wayland, or any of the leading Baptists in Providence, 
or to write to Dr. Sharp, of Boston, all of whom would 
be able to give needed information. He was willing to 
say, however, that he had been pastor of two good coun- 
try churches in Massachusetts, and that not only the 
churches, but the Associations with which he had been 
connected, considered his being obliged to leave them a 
great loss. Finding the church in its present divided 
state, Mr. Tupper said that he for one would like to use 
Mr. Binney's name without delay. They all knew Dr. 
Pattison by reputation, and all would be willing to trust 
him. Mr. Binney's name was added, and the first ballot- 
ing gave him a large majority. One of the deacons 
who had been very active in presenting one of the 
former candidates, rose and said, 
8 



84 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

" Brethren, this seems a very providential interposi- 
tion in our behalf: let us make the call unanimous !" 

This they did at the next balloting. Every vote cast 
was for Mr. Binney ; but two brethren, both South Car- 
olinians, explained that they had not voted at all, because, 
in their haste, they had declared their purpose never to 
vote for a Northern man; they would be glad, however, 
to see Mr. Binney pastor of the church; they had no 
doubt the Lord had interposed for them. 

Our narrative leaves Mr. Binney in Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts, with the letter of acceptance of the Presi- 
dency of Shurtleff College written. This letter he took 
to the office, but, before dropping it into the letter-box, 
he thought he would first see what the mail, just in, had 
brought him. He took from his friend's box, the letter 
from the church in Savannah, a unanimous and uncon- 
ditional call to become its pastor. He well might be 
surprised. There had been no previous intimation from 
any quarter of its probability. He received at the same 
time a letter from Mr. Tupper,^explaining the circum- 
stances which had brought about so unexpected an event. 

It was a kind letter, characteristic of the man — though 
one of the very smallest of men in physical stature, yet 
possessing a heart equally remarkable for breadth of 
comprehension and fervor of emotion and sympathy. 
He urged Mr. Binney's acceptance, assuring him that 
even if his health should prove inadequate to the task, 
he would unite the church for the present, and thus do 
a good work; he added, that they knew the doctor's 
opinion of his case, and that he would not be blamed if 
he failed; he would be among friends, sick or well. 



SA VANNAH PASTOR A TE. 8 5 

Mr. Binney burned the Alton letter, and the next day 
despatched another which made him pastor elect of the 
Savannah Baptist Church. He told them, he was quite 
aware that it was largely because he was a stranger to 
them, that he had been unanimously invited; that he 
was, however, in the habit of studying God's provi- 
dences; that they had seemed clearly to define his duty 
in the case; but that he was fallible, and if he had mis- 
interpreted them, future providences would make it 
known. He fixed the time, as definitely as the arrival 
of sailing vessels would permit, when he would be with 
them. 

This seems in the narrative a very simple and easy 
thing to have done, but it was in fact far otherwise. The 
Baltimore experiment of entering into new relations, but 
partially understood, made him cautious of repeating 
the mistake. But the chief reason for his hesitation was 
the existence of slavery in the Southern States. He had 
previously studied the subject thoroughly, but with his 
usual calm deliberation, and had formed his own judg- 
ment in regard to it. The question which now was 
presented to his mind was, whether in assuming the 
pastoral office where slavery existed, he could, with any 
justice, be regarded as giving his approval to the system. 
He also questioned as to whether he could do justice to 
his own convictions, and at the same time do his full 
duty to masters and slaves. These questions had to be 
met and answered, as in the sight of God ; and as 
his servant, seeking above all things to know his will, 
and to please and glorify him. That night was mostly 
spent in a prayerful consideration of the matter. The 



86 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

facts were all before him, and before the morning 
dawned he decided to accept the pastoral charge 
of the church ; and the blessing which God bestowed 
upon his labors in Savannah was such as to leave 
little room afterward to question the correctness of his 
decision. 

After writing his letter of acceptance, he read it to 
his wife, assuring her, at the same time, that if a doubt 
remained in her mind as to this step being the right one 
to take, the letter would not be sent. It was sent, and 
two weeks later he entered upon his new duties, re- 
solved to give such teaching as the Bible presented, 
as arising from existing relations, and to strive, so far 
as lay in his power, to make both masters and servants 
better and happier. 

He reached Savannah in October, 1837. There had 
as yet been no frosts, and it was considered early for 
strangers to come to the city, but the season was healthy, 
and with care it was not deemed particularly unsafe, 
The evening of his arrival was the usual Wednesday 
evening lecture. With true Southern hospitality, the 
church was largely' represented to greet their new pastor. 
After a rough sea voyage they did not expect to hear 
him say much, but they came to welcome him. He 
took in the situation at once. The sea had not fatigued, 
but rested and invigorated him. He would like to 
address them, and he could speak better from a text, 
and chose the words, " Not as pleasing men but God." 

The refinement in manner, the gentle, tender consid- 
eration manifested in the hearty welcome he received, 
took him by surprise. The citadel of his heart was 



SA VANNAH PASTOR A TE. 8 7 

taken; he surrendered that at discretion, but saw before 
him the temptation to be "time-serving," and he re- 
solved at once to put it out of his power to be a time- 
server, at least to be so consistently. 

His fine address and manly bearing were united with 
an appearance of delicacy, of frailty even, which made 
all feel as if he had come to them on a special mission, 
and that when it was done he would be taken up ere 
long from their midst. They were satisfied. The two 
gentlemen who had refused to vote, walked home with 
him to his boarding-house. They told him that they 
had refused to vote for him, because he was a Northern 
man: but they did not know him. They were sure he 
would be an honest, able preacher and pastor, and he 
might rely upon their hearty sympathy and support. 
They were true to their pledge. 

A few days after their arrival, before the first visits of 
ceremony were fully exchanged, Mrs. Binne)/ was laid 
aside with a fever, which so prostrated her, that her re- 
covery was considered doubtful. She did not leave her 
room for thirty days, but under most judicious medical 
treatment soon after found herself better and stronger 
than she had ever been before, so that she was enabled to 
nurse her husband for more than three months without 
intermission. She had been able to hear his voice from 
the pulpit but once, after an absence of six weeks from 
the house of God, when he was prostrated, and kept his 
room and bed for twelve successive weeks, never once 
being able to be moved further than from one side of it 
to the other. On the fourteenth day the doctor was hope- 
ful of a change for the better; but, instead of abating, the 

8* 



88 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

fever went to the brain, and for fourteen days afterward 
he recognized no one, and was unconscious appa- 
rently of pain or pleasure. A good, skillful nurse 
watched him during the nights, from ten o'clock till five 
in the morning, and Mrs. Binney took sole care of 
him by day, with only occasional assistance from the 
nurse. The doctor said his life depended upon the 
most perfect freedom from all excitement. For weeks 
after he began to recover, his mind was in a critical state, 
and regained its balance only as his physical strength 
was restored. Both, however, were not only restored, 
but their vigor was greatly increased. He arose a new 
man. He had often said, that with his constitution, he 
needed a task master to keep him at hard work; but 
now work was a pleasure; for the next five years he 
scarcely knew fatigue. After long walks in the sandy 
streets and hot sun of Savannah, he never complained 
of fatigue. He would sometimes say : " The word sounds 
strangely now, though we used to be bosom friends." 
It may be well to mention that for a period of about 
five years after his recovery, he preached every Lord's 
Day, with no exception, twice and often three times. 
He was so strengthened that he emphatically abounded 
in labors. 

The severe illness through which Mrs. and Mr. Bin- 
ney were called to pass, especially the illness of the 
latter, brought the church and their new pastor into in- 
timate and tender relations, and created a stronger tie 
than many years of prosperity could have done. The 
kindness of the church, and of the community even, 
should not be passed over in silence. The large bills 



SA VANNA H PAS TOR A TE. 8 9 

for medical attendance, for medicines, and for an expen- 
sive professional nurse were all met by the church; 
while the pulpit was supplied, and the salary allowed to 
go on as if he were at work himself. 

Of all this Mrs. Binney was kindly informed while 
her husband was too low to care about it, so that she 
was freed from anxiety on that point. Mr. Tupper's 
assurance, in his first letter to Mr. Binney, that " sick or 
well he would be among friends," was often brought to 
mind. The many nameless attentions, kind words of 
sympathy, and strong desires expressed for her hus- 
band's recovery, sustained her during many an anxious 
night and many a weary day, in the darkened room 
where no other foot was allowed to enter, except for 
temporary assistance. 

When Mr. Binney resumed preaching, after that ill- 
ness, his sermons had a " fresh unction." It seemed as 
if the prayer of the rich man in the parable had been 
answered, and that he had been raised from the dead 
to warn men to flee from the wrath to come. The 
church was quickened ; backsliders returned to their 
first love ; and sinners were " pricked in their hearts : " 
but many months passed before conversions took place 
in any considerable numbers. It would seem, at times, 
as if the dense clouds must burst in refreshing showers ; 
but again and again they passed by. The church was 
aroused, became restless, and wanted " some evangelist 
to come in and assist their pastor." Dr. Richard Ful- 
ler, though not an evangelist in the ordinary sense, was 
exceedingly popular in Savannah. He was pastor of a 
small church in Beaufort, his native city, and yet a 



9<D TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

young man. But he preached the truth in the demon- 
stration of the Spirit, and with power. Mr. Binney 
knew all this, and entertained for him a very high re- 
gard : but he invited even him with reluctance, as he 
feared a diversion of feeling. Dr. Fuller came however. 
Crowds of eager listeners attended upon his preaching 
night after night. The pastor heartily worked with him, 
but it was as he feared ; the solemnity diminished, and 
again the church was disappointed. It did not at 
that time see the expected " powerful revival." 

But from the time of his recovery the regular congre- 
gation had greatly increased, so that there were no 
more pews to be let, and no seats even for strangers. It 
was with much persuasion that he brought the church 
to see that their almost new edifice, yet scarcely paid for, 
needed to be enlarged. He brought an architect to see 
it, who gave his opinion that the rear end could be 
knocked out and the building thus made to accommo- 
date about one-third more, to the advantage both of its 
acoustic qualities and its appearance. A subscription 
was raised by the almost unaided exertions of the pas- 
tor, sufficient to pay the small debt still remaining on 
the building, and meet the expense of the proposed en- 
largement. 

The work was commenced early in the summer, when 
many of the inhabitants were accustomed to leave the 
city, and in consequence several of the churches were 
usually closed. Simultaneously with its commence- 
ment the long-looked for shower of divine grace de- 
scended. Souls were converted daily. The large, fine 
Presbyterian Church was about to be closed, as their 



SA V ANN AH PASTORATE. 



91 



pastor needed a " summer's vacation." It was offered 
to the Baptists while their improvements were in pro- 
gress. They said that it would hold both congrega- 
tion's, and desired " that Mr. Binney should use it as his 
own." Mr. Binney fully appreciated the kindness, but 
thought the Baptist Church must not be abandoned. 
The Lord had set his seal of approval by the conversion 
of souls, and the young converts must be made to feel 
at home. The baptistery also must be used from time 
to time, and, as many people were out of town, he 
thought the building would hold all who wished to 
come. So amid brick and mortar, the church well 
swept and dusted on Saturday afternoons, the old pulpit 
undisturbed, the people met and worshipped all summer, 
only closing the building for two or three weeks, while 
painters and upholsterers were at work, when the Pres- 
byterian Church was used. On Dr. Preston's return a 
vote of thanks was passed by his church for the cour- 
tesy received from the Baptist Church during his absence. 
During all that summer there were no extra meetings, 
except the pastor's multiplied inquiry meetings. He 
had for a long time, perhaps from the first, given notice 
of an evening at home, when he would gladly see any 
one wishing to converse on the subject of religion, but 
seldom any except members of the church came. There 
was a great deal of feeling among a class of young men, 
regular attendants at church services, but this only 
showed itself by their manner. They had been invited, 
urged, to come for personal conversation, but there had 
been no response. The first Monday evening after the 
work had fairly commenced in the church, the pastor, 



92 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

from his study window, saw a young man pass the 
house, whom he knew to have been for some time 
anxious for his soul. He soon returned, almost passed 
again, but turned and timidly came up the front steps. 
Before he could have time either to ring the bell or re- 
trace his steps, the pastor met him, drew his arm within 
his, and said, while taking him up stairs: 

"Come in, my dear young friend, I know all about 
it, and so does the Lord. What is the use of keeping 
up this contest any longer ? Either you or God must 
yield. He will never relinquish his claims upon you, 
but may withdraw his Spirit, now striving with you, let 
you have your own way, and leave you to the con- 
sequences. Let us kneel together, and ask God to 
help you, and do not rise till this strife is ended. 
Hasten to make an entire surrender to him." 

Before he arose from his knees, praise was mingled 
with entreaty. The next evening he brought others, 
and it seemed as if no one entered the room, however 
depressed, but left it rejoicing. 

In the midst of the revival, after several had been 
baptized, and others had exercised faith in Christ, a 
young man of another congregation came in with a 
friend, who was rejoicing in a newly found Saviour. 
After some conversation with others, Mr. Binney turned 
to this young man, whose whole appearance indicated 
but little interest, saying, 

" I am glad to see you here, M , I suppose you 

would not have come, except to seek counsel. Yet in 
order to help you I must know your difficulty, and on 
what particular point you desire help." 



SA VAN N AH PASTOR A TE. 9 3 

"Why," said he, "Mr. Binney, I did not mean to in- 
sult you by coming here to-night; but I really have no 
feeling on the subject of religion. My friends here are 
all in earnest, and have urged me to come and talk with 
you ; but I cannot say that I am anxious enough to care 
much whether I am saved or lost. I know this is a 
fearful state, and I suppose I ought to feel alarmed 
about it." 

Mr. Binney reminded him that he had been a constant 
attendant on his ministry since the revival commenced, 
and that he surely knew all that was necessary for him 
to know. If he was indifferent now, it could be neither 
from ignorance of his danger, nor of the way of escape. 
If he was now indifferent, it was probably judicial pun- 
ishment, for not heeding the monitions of the Spirit. He 
must not expect sympathy from him, or that he would 
take his side against God, for not forcing him to feel as 
his associates were feeling. On the contrary, he could 
only vindicate the justice of God in so leaving him in 
this state of indifference. There was nothing more to 
be done on God's part; it only remained for him to say 
whether he would cling to his sins and serve the devil, 
or whether he would abandon them with loathing, and 
turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and leave 
himself in his hands to dispose of as he saw fit. By 
his neglect he was making the former decision ; if he 
ever became a Christian, the latter decision must be 
made, and this might be the last opportunity. 

The young man's face showed the change that had 
come over him, and the intensity of his emotions. Si- 
lence ensued. Every heart seemed going up in prayer 



94 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

for him. After a few moments, in which not a muscle 
of his face moved, but it seemed as if the blood must 
burst forth, he broke the silence, saying, 

"It is done, Mr. Binney. I have given myself to him 
unconditionally; saved or lost, I wish to have nothing 
more to do with the devil and his works ; and Christ 
will receive me. He has." 

His subsequent life proved the sincerity of his 
consecration. This case has been mentioned to show 
his way, or one of his ways, of dealing with the impeni- 
tent. From that time few months passed when the 
baptismal waters were not moved. 

An extract from an article written by W. T. Brantly, 
D. D., of Baltimore, and published in the New York 
Examiner, soon after Dr. Binney's death, will show the 
character of his preaching, and the estimation in which 
he was held in Savannah. 

My acquaintance with our departed friend runs back through 
a period of thirty-five years, when we were fellow-pastors in the 
State of Georgia, he in Savannah, I in Augusta. Six years pre- 
viously the church in Savannah, needing a pastor, extended a 
call to young Binney, then unknown to fame, but well known to 
a member of the church which called him. The eloquent and 
devoted H. O. Wyer, his predecessor, had been in feeble health 
for some years, so that when Dr. Binney became pastor, in 1837, 
the church was far from nourishing, But through the faithful 
labors of the young pastor the former prosperity was soon re- 
gained. After a year or two, it became necessary to enlarge the 
house to accommodate the increasing congregations, and though 
the enlarged building afforded as many sittings as are found in 
your Tabernacle Church on Second Avenue, it was soon filled. 
Dr. Binney attracted many of the most gifted and cultivated 
minds in the city. 



SA V ANN AH PASTORATE. 



95 



It was his custom to preach in the afternoon, when other 
houses in the city were closed. On these occasions the spacious 
edifice would be largely attended by members of other churches, 
though they had the privilege, morning and evening, of listening 
to such men as Bishop Elliott, Dr. Preston and Dr. Pierce, who 
were his contemporaries in the city. Yet Dr. Binney was not a 
popular preacher, as the phrase is commonly understood. 

His presence at that day was interesting. His handsome, 
intellectual face and beaming eye attracted attention. His ex- 
tempore delivery and agreeable manner impressed you. But he 
was a close thinker, and it required both mind and attention to 
follow his well-digested trains of thought and appreciate their 
significance. But there were some persons equal to the exercise, 
in his congregation. They were enthusiastic in their commen- 
dations ; and whilst his sermons were marked by profound 
thought for the strong, he would, from time to time, supply milk 
for the babes, so that each might receive his portion. As an evi- 
dence of their appreciation, when the enlarged house was com- 
pleted, the pastor was tendered such an increase of salary as he 
might deem sufficient. " I told them," he remarked to me after- 
ward, "that I should need $1,500 for my support; and that be- 
sides this I wanted something to give away ; and I should be glad 
also to put by a little every year. So they fixed my salary at 
$2,500 a year." I do not suppose that any Baptist minister in all 
the land was at this time in receipt of so large a salary. 

It was when he had obtained this great success in Savannah, 
a large and devoted church, an increasing congregation, an am- 
ple salary, the blessing of God following his labors in the conver- 
sion of souls, that the call came to him to go to Burmah. 

The above extract shows Mr. Binney as a preacher at 
that time. As a pastor in Savannah his labors were 
arduous, and, though somewhat peculiar, were very suc- 
cessful, not only in harmonizing conflicting elements, 
but especially in organizing the whole church into a 
well trained band of workers. In speaking of his system 



96 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

to other pastors, as they sometimes inquired of him 
concerning it, he would say, " this works well with me, 
but no two work exactly alike. I would not present it 
as a model." 

He had a large standing committee of the church, 
chosen from the various stations and positions of life, 
and of different ages, mostly composed, however, of men 
of middle life and past. This committee he met at sta- 
ted periods in his library, when everything pertaining to 
their duties was freely discussed. It was understood 
that the subjects there considered were not to be dis- 
cussed elsewhere. In that room most cases of discip- 
line were settled, and never brought before the church, 
to be the cause of party feeling, or of reproach to the 
offender in the community. If the offender could not 
be saved by the united efforts of the pastor and a good 
sub-committee, the case would probably be so clear, that 
there could be but one opinion of it when brought be- 
fore the church. 

A plan for aiding the needy sick of Savannah, was 
introduced by him, and found from several years trial 
to be admirably adapted to the wants of the city. The 
plan devolved on him a large amount of labor in carry- 
ing it out. While others were heavily taxed, yet in 
superintending this work he was called upon to visit the 
needy sick, most of whom belonged to no church what- 
ever, and to bury those who died among them. He 
thus performed an amount of work which would at any 
other period of his life have been quite impossible. Be- 
nevolent persons not of his own church often sent funds, 
unsolicited, to him, sometimes to the amount of fifty 



SA VANNAH PA S TOR A TE. g J 

dollars or more, wishing to give to the suffering and 
worthy poor, but not knowing where it was wise and 
safe to do so. 

There was a feature in his work in Savannah that was 
not easily accounted for. That he should attend so 
large a number of funerals among the poor and unfixed 
population always found in every city seemed to rise 
naturally from his special attention to that class ; but he 
married as well as buried a larger number of persons 
than any other pastor, more even than all the others 
combined. His congregation contained a fair propor- 
tion of young people, but not so large a number as to 
account for this fact. All persons wishing to marry were 
obliged to obtain a marriage certificate from the proper 
authorities. These were numbered and, when present- 
ed to the minister, were his authority for performing the 
ceremony. It was very easy for the officiating minister 
to see how many had been issued between those present- 
ed to him ; and in that way he learned, that for two or 
three years before leaving Savannah more than half the 
marriage certificates issued in Chatham County had come 
to himself. 

He also had a small band of lay preachers from the 
business men of the city, who went out to the destitute 
places in the suburbs, chiefly the plantations on the Sa- 
vannah River, and preached to the destitute colored 
people, masters and their families often being among 
their most interested hearers. These preachers reported 
to Mr. Binney, and received counsel as they needed, 
often involving cases of great delicacy and requiring 
patient thought. When possible they would go out in 



98 TWENTY- SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

the morning, and return in time to hear the afternoon 
sermon, as they would sometimes playfully say, " to lay 
in a stock for retailing the next week." They had little 
time for study, and their pastor often had their need in 
view in preparing his afternoon sermons. This may 
have served to give them a somewhat didactic character, 
but they were equally characterized by a fervor and elo- 
quence that fastened every eye upon him, and which 
"Silence failed not to honor." 

It was Mr. Binney's decided conviction that no church 
could prosper, that did not give liberally for the general 
interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. He was not 
satisfied with simply confining his efforts to domestic 
missions ; foreign missions also had claims which could 
not be ignored. He found the church with " so much 
to do at home " as to attempt little foreign work. The 
first year he was there, less than ten dollars was given to 
the Foreign Board, but in the last year donations had 
increased more than a hundred-fold. His monthly con- 
certs were among his most interesting meetings. On 
one occasion, while in the midst of a remarkable interest 
and at every meeting for conference and prayer some 
new convert was coming forward to tell what the Lord 
had done for his soul, a deputation from the standing 
committee of the church called upon him to inquire if 
it would not be well to omit the monthly concert for 
once, lest it might interfere with the revival, and the 
special attention to the salvation of souls. 

"No! No!" was the prompt reply; "if we have any 
excitement in our church that can be checked or di- 
verted by prayer for the salvation of souls in the dark- 



SA VANNAH PASTOR A TE. 



99 



riess of heathenism, the sooner it is checked the better. 
I want no such revival as that. We want the Spirit of 
him 'who though rich, for our sakes became poor,' re- 
vived among us. Any other excitement is spurious." 

That monthly concert, as Dr. Binney stated after- 
wards, not only did not interfere with the prevailing 
religious interest, but seemed to give it a most unmis- 
takable impulse. It is doubtless still remembered in 
Savannah by a few. It is known to have given char- 
acter to the Christian labors of one young convert at 
least, who though a business man, has been eminently 
useful in both home and foreign work. 

Mr. Binney's plan for raising money for mission pur- 
poses was simple, and took less time than the results 
might lead one to suppose. A collection was always 
taken at the close of the monthly concerts, which not 
only included the usual contributions from the regular 
attendants, but those of strangers present, amounting to 
a considerable sum. About three months before the 
stated period for sending their contributions to the 
Home and Foreign Mission treasurers, he would preach 
a sermon on the claims of each, of which sermon due 
notice w r as always given. At the close of this, he would 
say to the congregation, that he had a little book pre- 
pared for each object, and after the services it would be 
brought to the table, that those who wished might give 
their names and residences with subscriptions, or the 
money might then be given: that he should carry these 
little books in his pocket and be prepared to receive 
their names or the money for at least a month longer; 
and when these opportunities w r ere exhausted, if he did 

9* 



IOO TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

not hear from them, he would call upon them at their 
homes. This was seldom necessary. Every member 
had an opportunity to give. Several old ladies were 
supported entirely by the church, but they were usually 
among the first to bring their thank-offerings to the 
Lord; one said, when remonstrated with, "Why can- 
not I afford to give. If Mr. Binney preaches the truth, 
and he seems to be sustained by the word of God, the 
poor cannot afford to withhold. I shall leave it for the 
rich people to try the experiment." The Lord made the 
rich deacon, who remonstrated with her, the instrument 
of " rewarding her double." 

Mr. Binney was accustomed to head the list, with 
such a sum as he thought the Lord required of him, 
and as he was willing to take from men of similar pe- 
cuniary ability. At one time a leading member put his 
name under the pastor's with the same sum as his 
annexed. 

"Why is this, Brother C — — ?■' said Mr. Binney. 
" Do you think I have given too much ?" 

"Oh, no! I do not judge for you, and I suppose you 
will not wish to judge for me!" 

"No. I must leave it with your own conscience 
what you will give, but unless you add a cypher to that 
sum, I shall have to make a new book. You can cer- 
tainly afford to give more than ten times the sum that I 
can, and you will be so judged. Your example will be 
bad. I will make a new book, and take your name 
later." 

He made a new book and went on with his work. 
Some days afterward Brother C came to him saying, 



SA VANNAH PASTOR A TE. I O I 

" My wife thinks I should double that subscription for 
Foreign Missions, and I will hand you the money 
now." 

"Wait a little, Brother C , I want a few names 

first; and if you are asking the Lord as well as your 
wife about it, I can afford to wait." 

Not many days later his name stood under the pas- 
tor's with the cypher annexed, and with emotion he said, 

" I do believe I shall pray more for the heathen now 
I have made a little investment in the enterprise my- 
self." The next year there was nothing said on the 
subject; but a larger sum was freely given. 

As their " Domestic Mission " was so largely for the 
colored people, he did not fail to press their claims to 
special religious instruction, and to urge the supporting 
of missionaries among them for this purpose, on the 
ground that the laws of Georgia made it a penal offence 
to teach them to read. Standing at the Lord's Table, 
he once said with a tenderness and pathos which 
showed how deeply he felt on the subject : 

" I do not stand here, brethren, either to vindicate the 
necessity of these laws in sustaining slavery, or to de- 
nounce their injustice and sinfulness in keeping these 
people — who if saved at all, must be saved by this truth 
which the Bible reveals — from being able to read for 
themselves; but I could not be faithful to my duty to 
you as your pastor, without bringing to your notice the 
existence of such laws, and the obligation resting upon 
us from the fact. I could not hope to meet either you 
or them in peace at that great day, when master and 
servant, people and pastor, shall stand before the judg- 



102 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

merit seat, when he who died for us all alike, will alike 
be the judge of us all." 

The confidence which these poor bond-people gene- 
rally placed in Mr. Binney made it harder for him to 
leave the church when the time came, although they had 
many true friends in it beside him; men who were glad 
to spend and be spent for their spiritual welfare. 

In all objects of simple benevolence in the city the 
pastor of the Baptist Church was a prominent leader. 
In efforts for the promotion of intellectual culture, his 
friends ever placed him in the foremost rank. On the 
formation of the Georgia Historical Society, Dr. Stevens, 
now Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Penn- 
sylvania, was most active and efficient in organizing it, 
and looked at once to Mr. Binney for assistance in so 
doing. Judge Law, then very popular in Savannah, and 
one of its ablest men, gave the first address before the 
Society, and Mr. Binney was invited to give the third 
lecture in course, and the subject was suggested, as one 
desirable in itself and as " especially in harmony with 
the sympathies and character of the speaker," " White- 
field in America." 

The lecture was more than an hour in length, but was 
listened to with almost breathless attention to the close. 
The Press, in commenting upon it the next day, spoke in 
terms of the highest praise. The editor of a leading paper 
said, " Never, since the days of Whitefield, has Georgia 
been favored with so eloquent a speaker and preacher 
as now, in the young pastor of the Baptist Church." 

Rev. Dr. Preston, for so many years the able and 
revered pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church, 



SA VANNAH PASTOR A TE. 1 03 

not only frequently exchanged pulpits with Mr. Binney, 
but they were so often seen in the streets of Savannah, 
walking side by side to or from the burial of prominent 
citizens, and on missions of love and benevolence, that 
it ceased to attract notice or cause remark. The relation 
often seemed like that of a father and son, such was the 
difference of their ages and periods of labor in Savannah. 
Dr. Preston's young people not infrequently attended 
Mr. Binney's inquiry meetings, held in his study, to 
which the Doctor never objected, but which, in one 
instance at least, he was known to encourage 

Bishop Elliot also sustained very kindly relations 
with him. At one time, in consequence of a sermon on 
Baptism and the Lord's Supper, some sectarians raised 
the cry of " bigotry," and succeeded in producing con- 
siderable excitement, and, of course in passing, much 
misrepresentation. The bishop was consulted as to the 
best course to pursue in the matter. Several sermons 
had been preached in the Methodist Church in answer 
to the arguments, but this had apparently only caused 
a greater rush to the Baptist Church. 

" Where did Mr. Binney preach that mischievous ser- 
mon ? " inquired the bishop. 

"Why in the Baptist Church, of course." 

"Ah ! I see! he was instructing his people, his own 
charge, in what he honestly believed to be the truth of 
God's word, and you question his right to do so ; — his 
right to do what your own ministers are doing, and what 
you expect them to do; a right which I exercise 
throughout the State of Georgia. It strikes me that 
the charge of bigotry would more justly apply to those 



104 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

who meddle with the matter. Mr. Binney seems to me 
to be a man of a most liberal, catholic spirit, and courte- 
ous to all who differ from him, at the same time that he 
preaches what he deems the truth fearlessly. Let us 
imitate his example." 

This was a quietus, especially as about the same time 
Mr. Binney at the close of a Sunday afternoon service 
said : 

" As I understand that a statement which I made from 
this pulpit a few weeks since — that John Wesley, the 
founder of Methodism, believed, and sometimes acted 
on the belief that immersion was the primitive mode of 
baptism — has been denied from a neighboring pulpit, I 
beg the privilege to read from this ' Life of Wesley," a 
standard work in the Methodist denomination, the au- 
thority I had for the statement." 

He named the work with the page, and reading with- 
out further comments placed the book on the table for 
examination by any one who cared to make it. 

The ministering brethren in the Association whom he 
often met, were brethren indeed, and hailed his labors 
among them with joy. As his church was the leading 
church, they delighted in giving him a leading position 
among them. He ever loved the mention of the names 
of such men as Josiah Low, W r m. H. Mackintosh, and 
others. Dr. Richard Fuller, then of Beaufort, S. C, was 
in the habit of spending a week or two, once a year, with 
him, helping him in his work, and sometimes Mr. Binney 
would go to Beaufort for a Sunday or two. No more 
fraternal intercourse ever existed, even in Massachusetts, 
his native State, than he enjoyed in Georgia. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



CALL y TO BURMAH. 



1843. 

ON a lovely afternoon in January, 1843, such a Janu- 
ary day as few cities but Savannah ever witness, 
Mrs. Binney sat at an open window of her husband's 
study looking down the street for his return from some 
pastoral duties. He did not fail to meet her expecta- 
tions, but instead of his usual elastic step, he walked 
slowly and abstractedly toward his home. Failing to 
receive the usual recognition from the window, she has- 
tened down to meet him at the door, when an open 
letter was put into her hand, with the simple remark, 
"I have just taken this from the office." As soon as 
her eye enabled her to take in its contents, she joined 
him in his study, where they unitedly asked guidance 
and strength. The latter seemed to the wife to be more 
needed than the former, for as to the result of an invi- 
tation from the Executive Committee of the Board of 
the American Baptist Missionary Convention, to become 
their "agent in training up a native ministry among the 
Karens of Burmah," she had little doubt. She saw at once 
that her husband would deem the path of duty made 
very plain, and he would not decline to do what he had 

105 



106 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

from the moment of his conversion so earnestly desired, 
" make known the revelation of God's will as found in 
his word to those who knew it not" " Oh, that the 
heathen had this Bible," was the instinctive cry of the 
new-born soul; and the longing desire had grown with 
the growth and strengthened with the strength of his 
spiritual nature. Still, little was said to each other for 
a time, but much was "told to Jesus." The "proceed- 
ings of the Savannah Baptist Church," with regard to 
this matter are here inserted entire, as in no other way 
could the history be so well given. 

Savannah, June 6, 1843. 
Rev. J. G. Binney ; Dear Sir : — Knowing your feelings upon 
the subject, we feel much delicacy in requesting your consent to 
publish our recent church proceedings respecting your removal 
from us, which, of course, includes your letter to the church. 
But fully believing that it will benefit us ; and that your letter, 
which we highly approve, will serve to advance our Redeemer's 
cause, we hope that you will comply with our request. 
We are very truly your brethren, 

Thomas Clark, W. W. Wash. 

A. Harmon, Jno. Passell. 

Savannah, June 9, 1843. 
Messrs. J. Clark, A. Harmon, W.W.Wash, and John Passell. 
Dear Brethren : — When I addressed you my letter I had not 
the most remote expectation that it would be presented to any 
others than the church and pew-holders. I knew you would ap- 
preciate the statements and arguments there presented, and my 
sole object was to convince the dear people of my charge of 
the propriety of my decision. Hence the unreservedness of that 
communication. But if it will gratify you or advance the Re- 
deemer's kingdom, I cheerfully comply with your request. 
Most affectionately, your Pastor, 

J. G. Binney. 



CALL TO BUR MA II. 



Extract from the Minutes of the Church. 



107 



Savannah, Jan. 29, 1843. 

After Divine Service this morning a special meeting of the 
church was held, when our Pastor informed the church that he 
had received communications from the American Baptist Board 
of Foreign Missions, in accordance with a resolution adopted at 
the late " Missionary Convention at Worcester," which encour- 
aged the Board to invite pastors from this country to enter the 
foreign field. These communications state the pressing de- 
mands of the missionary cause for men, and say, "We have 
reached a point in several of our stations, where neglect to 
strengthen is equivalent to desertion. But we have none to 
send." They therefore ask him to examine the question of duty 
as to his personal consecration to this work ; and invite him par- 
ticularly to engage in the training up of a Karen Native Min- 
istry, etc. 

He stated that this subject was brought to the notice of the 
Church Committee when first submitted to him, but at his request 
it was not repeated out of the Committee till more mature reflec- 
tion on his part ; that having prayed over and considered the 
subject to the extent of his present opportunities, he now wishes 
to ask the prayers and counsel of the church respecting it, leav- 
ing it for God to direct him in the path of duty. 

After a few remarks from brethren, it was voted to observe 
the next Thursday as a day of special " Fasting and Prayer," that 
our Pastor may know the will of God in this matter, and that 
the church may be rightly directed. It was also voted, that this 
subject be referred to the Standing Committee of the church, 
to report at their earliest convenience, and that Rev. H. O. Wyer 
act as chairman pro tern. 

Thursday, February 20, was observed as a day of Fasting 
and Prayer, agreeably to a vote of the last meeting. At a full 
meeting of the church in the evening Rev. Mr. Wyer, in behalf 
of the Committee, presented the following report : 

" The Committee, to whom was referred the subject laid be- 
fore the church by your Pastor on Sunday last, relative to his 
10 



108 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

removal from his present field of labor to become a Foreign 
Missionary, having bestowed a deliberate and prayerful conside- 
ration on this important matter, desire to express the following 
sentiments : 

" We cannot but feel that the subject is one of great delicacy 
and importance, a subject so obviously dependent for its solution 
upon the leadings and teachings of Divine Providence, that it 
becomes us to approach it with fear and trembling, lest by our 
selfish feelings and partialities we should make up a rash deci- 
sion, and be found fighting against God. It is an undoubted truth, 
that God's claim upon all and every one of his servants is para- 
mount to all other considerations. It is his prerogative to say to 
this man, 'Go, and he goeth,' and to another, 'Come, and he 
cometh,' and to his servant, 'Do this, and he doeth it.' Hence 
we freely acknowledge that it is alike our duty and our blessed 
privilege to bow with unmurmuring submission to the known 
will of the Supreme Master, though it may involve heavy sacri- 
fices, and sunder some of our dearest ties. In our contempla- 
tions upon this interesting subject, we have not overlooked the 
important fact, that the claims of Foreign Missions call loudly 
upon our American churches for immediate and essential aid. 
Perhaps the demand for men and money was never more im- 
peratively urgent than at the present moment. The voice of 
perishing millions who cry, 'Send us missionaries,' is echoed 
through our wide-spread land ; and by all the compassions of 
humanity, by all the endearments of heavenly love, by all the 
authority of the ascending Saviour, we are bound to hear and 
obey that imploring voice. Said the Master to his disciples, 
' Freely ye have received, freely give.' 

" In resolving to induce, if possible, some of our pastors to 
enter the Foreign Missionary field, we are inclined to the belief, 
that the Board of Foreign Missions have acted wisely and in 
accordance with the pressing exigencies of our Foreign Mission 
stations. The execution of this plan must, however, necessarily 
involve great sacrifices, both with pastors and churches. But 
perhaps these very sacrifices will be rendered a blessing, in 
bringing the churches to a more simple dependence upon divine 



CALL TO BURMA H. IO9 

aid and in wakening and putting forth their slumbering energies 
in the cause of Christ. 

" In relation to the needful qualifications of our Pastor for the 
particular station which the Board designed to assign him, there 
can be no diversity of opinion among us who have long enjoyed 
his faithful and able ministrations. 

"We have thus hastily glanced at one view of the subject, 
and though we have used great freedom of thought relative to 
the claims of this side of the question, we are still deeply im- 
pressed, and doubt not the church will be equally impressed, 
with several considerations, among many others, which seem to 
render it desirable that our Pastor should not abandon his pre- 
sent post of ministerial labor. 

" We notice, First, — The scope of his present ministerial influ- 
ence is wide and important. This consideration must bear with 
great weight upon our minds, if for a moment we take into view 
the claims of our own growing community, the extreme destitu- 
tion of the surrounding country, the scarcity of educated and effi- 
cient men in the bounds of our Association, and the loud demand 
for enlightenment in every part of our Southern country. If we 
are not entirely mistaken in our views, no part of our whole 
country is so poorly prepared to spare an efficient pastor as our 
own. ' The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.' 

"Secondly, — The wants and expenses of our church require the 
continued labors of our present Pastor. His immediate removal 
must to all human appearances be attended by many checks and 
drawbacks upon its prosperity. If the standard-bearer suddenly 
falls when the hosts are rallying, confusion must ensue ; or if a 
master builder leaves his work unfinished, his plans maybe speed- 
ily abandoned. And, although we would not forget that God is 
able to protect his own cause, we also remember that he does this 
by the use of suitable instrumentalities. We consider that much 
depends upon the influence and exertions of our present Pastor. 
Should he now leave us, who can tell the consequences ? Who 
can tell what will become of our present congregation ? of the 
many lambs of the flock ? of many plans of benevolent effort, 
which are yet in their incipient operation ? nay, of many im- 



I ro TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

penitent ones who steadily hear from his lips the proclamation of 
mercy ? 

" Thirdly, — We cannot overlook the fact that a pastor's use- 
fulness greatly depends upon the measure of confidence and 
respect in which he is held by the community, especially among 
the congregation where he labors. In this particular, we believe 
we have a strong reason why our Pastor should not abandon his 
present important station. As a man and a Christian he is held 
in the highest estimation in our community, and as the Pastor of 
this church and people he occupies a large place in their respect 
and affections. 

" Fourthly, — We are strongly impressed with the consideration 
that his labor in his present field may be greatly promotive of the 
cause of Domestic and Foreign Missions. 

" Fifthly, — We think it worthy of consideration also, that in 
this climate both our Pastor and his family have enjoyed a large 
share of health. In this respect great uncertainty must attend 
the contemplated change. 

"These are some of the thoughts which this deeply interest- 
ing matter has suggested to our minds. In view of them we can- 
not but hope that our beloved Pastor may be led by the unerring 
hand of God to the same conclusion to which our own minds 
have arrived, viz., that nothing short of a most imperious sense 
of duty can reconcile us to the sundering of the ties by which 
we are now harmoniously and happily united as pastor and 
church. Finally, we commend both Pastor and church to that 
gracious God who is ever ready to give us wisdom to discern and 
strength to perform whatever he would have us to do or suffer 
for his glory. 

(Signed by) Standing Committee, 

H. O. Wyer, Chairman, 
(Thos. Clark and twelve other 
names follow).' " 

On motion, this report was unanimously adopted. It was 
also voted that the clerk furnish our Pastor with a copy thereof, 
and that the Committee continue to act in the case. 



CALL TO BURMAH. I I I 

May i. — At a monthly meeting of the Committee our Pastor 
presented in writing his decision upon this subject; he also orally 
presented the reasons on which that decision was based. It was 
then voted to desire those reasons in writing, and that this docu- 
ment from our Pastor be communicated to the church at its next 
monthly meeting. 

May 4. — At the monthly church meeting the following docu- 
ment was presented by the Committee : 

Letter of Mr. Binney to the Church Committee. 

Savannah, May i, 1843. 

" Dear Brethren :— The deeply important question of duty sub- 
mitted to my consideration by our Foreign Missionary Board, has 
been the subject of most anxious thought and earnest prayer for 
the last four months. Under other circumstances, it would have 
been decided with much less solicitude in that number of weeks. 
But situated as I am, in so extensive a field of usefulness, with so 
strong an attachment to the people of my present charge — and in 
view of other important considerations of your communication — 
it became very difficult to settle. To those at all acquainted with 
the infirmities of our nature, it is unnecessary to say that this 
difficulty was increased by the matter of fact view which years of 
pastoral labor had prepared me to take of the subject; the ex- 
ceeding sacrifice requisite on the part of myself and family ; 
together with the fact that with very rare exceptions I have 
received no encouragement to make that sacrifice ; while from 
numerous sources, by letter and in person, I have been urged to 
the contrary. The claims of the Mission have been sustained 
entirely by information, already in my possession, of the wants 
of the heathen, and a consciousness of my solemn responsibility 
to him, under whose commission I act as a gospel minister, and 
to whom I must so soon render my account. 

" During this inquiry I have been encouraged by the assurance, 
that if a man lack wisdom, he may ask of God ; and that if in all 
our ways we acknowledge him, he will direct our steps. Certainly, 
my dear brethren, you have joined me in fasting and prayer, that 
God's will might be known in this important matter. That God 

IO* 



I I 2 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

could and would answer those prayers and afford us light, I had 
no doubt. 

"The time has come when my duty alike to you and the Board 
requires a decision. This is the more evident to me from the fact 
that for the past three months no new suggestion has been made 
from the many who have kindly endeavored to throw light upon 
my path. So familiar have I been with the main merits of the 
question, — with the condition of my own church and vicinity, 
and the wants of the heathen — that little was left me, but per- 
sonally to apply decisions long since made of the subject 
generally. 

" I am aware of the extreme uncertainty respecting the future, of 
the possibility that my conclusions may eventually appear wrong. 
But I am necessitated to judge by the light I have, and to walk 
by faith where more light might seem desirable. For the result, 
I depend upon his gracious aid, whose direction and support I 
have earnestly sought, and who has hitherto been my suffi- 
ciency. 

"It might be added that, however much trepidation is felt, it 
arises alone from possibilities and not probability. I have as 
much assurance and comfort from the conclusion as could reasona- 
bly be expected by any other man under similar circumstances. 
It is really no easy matter to walk by faith. 

"In view of all this, I could not retain a good and peaceful 
conscience, were I to remain in America. I have, therefore, been 
constrained to conclude that it is my duty to sever the very ten- 
der ties that bind me to you ; to leave this land of so many de- 
lightful associations for the desolations of that far-off country. 

"It is already intimated above, but it might be proper here 
more formally to assure you, that this decision has in no way 
been affected by any dissatisfaction with my present condition. 
I could not ask a greater sphere of usefulness. From no church 
has the minister of the gospel probably received a more uniform- 
ly respectful and affectionate treatment, or a more hearty co- 
operation in his labors for his own church and the cause abroad. 
This is also true respecting our pew-holders : to whom I feel 
deeply indebted for the kindness with which they have regarded 



CALL TO BUR MAIL 



13 



my labors, and for the cheerful and liberal pecuniary provision 
they have made for my support. I have never wished more. It 
is pleasing to reflect that all this meeting my highest desires has 
been of a character that might be trusted for the future. Indeed, 
so peculiarly have I been impressed with these considerations, 
that I could hardly fail to regard myself your pastor until death. 
It was my earnest desire and full expectation to spend my life in 
your midst ; to be, by the grace of God, your spiritual adviser, 
in prosperity and affliction, even to the dark valley of the shadow 
of death; and to aid you in rearing your sons and daughters 
finally to occupy your places in the Church of Christ. I had 
not for a moment thought otherwise until this question of duty 
was officially submitted to my consideration by the Board. I 
know of no situation in this country that could induce me to 
leave you ; but to the cry of the spiritually desolate, having no 
God and without hope, personally presented to me, I cannot, 
I dare not, turn a deaf ear. To do so would blind my mind, 
sear my conscience, harden my heart, and greatly darken my 
own prospects for eternity. After that, of what value could I be 
to you. The wail of lost souls from heathen lands would ever 
be present to me, and what but the indignant frown of him whom 
we most love, could I expect ? The love of Christ and the wants 
of men ready to perish, alone constrain me to leave a most 
affectionate and faithful people, whom I most tenderly love. 

"In presenting more definitely the reasons which have led to 
this decision, let me refer you first to the wants of the world. I 
shall by no means argue the Christian character of missions, nor 
fill a sheet with missionary details. With you, this is certainly 
not necessary. To say nothing of your many previous opportu- 
nities, if after nearly six years instruction in private, in social 
meetings, and in monthly concerts, in frequent allusion, and 
especial missionary discourses in the pulpit, any of you are still 
ignorant or faithless upon this point, I have no hope that you can 
appreciate my present intention. 

" In the spirit of our Saviour, then, contemplate six hundred 
millions of persons ultimately susceptible of all the improvement 
and temporal happiness of this land, but now groveling in 



114 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA II. 

heathenism ; and twenty millions of immortal souls with light 
sufficient to leave them without excuse for their sins (Rom. i. 
18-32), living without God, and dying without hope, annually 
driven away in their sins to the bar of God, and thence to ever- 
lasting death. The influence of the gospel, the love of Christ 
applied to their hearts, would make them happy in time and save 
them eternally. Here remember that solemn inquiry — ' What 
is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his 
own soul ; or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul ? ' 
Can any sacrifice on our part be compared with an annual loss 
of at least twenty millions such souls ? 

" If you refer to the particular field assigned to me, the neces- 
sity of more laborers appears under peculiar circumstances. The 
Karens are a numerous people, and waiting for gospel light. 
The small amount of labor thus far bestowed has met an unusual 
divine blessing. Already about five thousand have come to 
Christ, and the number is rapidly increasing. But where are 
the needed laborers ? Who will preach Christ to them ? And 
who will go forth to shepherd and feed the lambs and sheep of 
this distant fold ? Our only reasonable hope can be in native 
preachers and teachers. If left to themselves, they must ere 
long have a corrupt Christianity, worse, it may be, than even 
their former state. 

" One who loves Christ must tell it to others ; but he can tell 
no more and no otherwise than he knows. Without a miracle 
then in his behalf, the darkness of his mind must mingle with 
and corrupt his notions of religion ; and those confused corrupt 
teachings are to mould Karen Christianity. Now who will en- 
gage to discipline their minds, and richly furnish them out of the 
abundance of God's glorious gospel? If our hope for the people 
is in native teachers, our hope for the teachers is in their previous 
instruction ; and to whom shall they look for that instruction if 
not to us ? It is to this work I am invited. 

"Whether, therefore, we view the field in general, or the 
particular station to which I am called, the claim is immediate 
and unspeakably great. 

"You will find a second reason in the exceeding difficulty of 



CALL TO BURMA ff. II5 

supplying these wants. This appears, not only from the fact that 
so large a portion of the heathen world has yet received no at- 
tention, but equally from a full view of those to whom the gospel 
has been sent. Our effort hitherto can be regarded only as an 
experiment upon a small scale, and under very unfavorable cir- 
cumstances. To this day, no one of our stations has received 
adequate attention. In most, we have but here and there a 
solitary man, rapidly descending to the grave, not so much from 
the effect of climate as from excessive labor. In some of our 
most important posts, the fall of even one man would suspend 
our operations for months or even years. 

"There is, probably, in the hands of those to whom God has 
given this gospel in trust for the world, money and men sufficient 
for the whole field. So long, however, as the Church retains its 
present low standard of action, the meagreness of funds and 
the paucity of laborers is as real, and the inability of the Board 
to obtain them as great, as though God's trustees were actually 
destitute of means. Hence-, those who appreciate the claim and 
have the ability must decide duty and perform labor as if really 
alone in the Church. In this respect, I have felt a deeply solemn 
responsibility resting upon me. 

"A view of the particular field of my future labor will present 
additional difficulties. The man needed for this must enter upon 
a new climate, habits, studies, etc. ; and must, therefore, be so 
young as to afford a reasonable expectation of so long a period 
of labor as to reach results that will require years of patient 
effort ; still he is to enter upon duties of such responsibility as 
demands the discipline and experience of some age. He must 
love the heathen and be willing to make some sacrifice. His 
constitution must be adapted to a warm climate, and the habits of 
his mind fitted to work in prospect, without immediately seeing 
any prominent fruit of his labors. He ought to have no pecuni- 
ary embarrassments. Such a man would probably be a married 
man. If so, his wife should be qualified to be a helper in the 
work, and willing to forsake all for that purpose. And then, how 
important that they be not encumbered with a family of 
children ! 



I I 6 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

"Many men may be found possessing any one of these in a far 
greater degree than myself. But how seldom are these ten or a 
dozen particulars blended in one ! However deficient I may feel 
myself in any particular qualification, it would be presumptuous 
in me to reject the unanimous opinion of those by whom I am 
known, so far as that opinion has been expressed to me. Though 
so often advised not to leave my present' field, yet in every case, 
by yourselves and others, this point has been, not only fully ad- 
mitted, but immediately and unequivocally expressed. Now, if 
such are the difficulties of finding the man, shall he, when found 
and addressed by name, blench? Shall he decline the work? 
Can he do so and remain innocent? 

"I have referred only to the obtaining of men, but there is 
equal, if not greater difficulty in our funds; and it is an addi- 
tional consideration, if this man is so situated, as at the same time 
to effect this point. There is no want of money in the Church, 
only in the disposition of our brethren to bestow it. How is that 
disposition to be reached? Undoubtedly every man who makes 
new and great sacrifices for the cause affects it by his example. 
In this respect God has greatly blessed me. By giving me years 
of very favorable settlement, I have much to surrender. It di- 
rectly touches this question of funds, that among other things I 
must give up an annual income of at least twenty-one hundred 
dollars. My own heart and conscience have often been quick- 
ened to duty by the great sacrifices of our missionary brethren, 
and will not the same effect follow in this case ? Surely, if special 
reasons exist, why I should go to the Karens, the great reason re- 
mains why all should supply the requisite means to evangelize 
the world. 

"I hope, my brethren, that this disposition to give will be 
effected another way. We take your hearts into heathen lands. 
Parents know that wh^re the heart is the money will go. And 
may I not hope that, when far away, you will remember me, pray 
for and support me ? Will you not thence be led to a greater 
interest in, and effort for, the cause generally? And will not this 
be equally true of many others? There is yet another way by 
which this disposition may be uniformly moved — that is by inspir- 



CALL TO BURMAH. I I J 

ing confidence in such decisions. The Missionary cause is often 
regarded as mere matter of declamation. I fear this is too fre- 
quently the case, and in such men as would cause great surprise, 
were it all told. Even the sacrifices of some are in the same 
spirit attributed to a warm imagination, or a hasty decision. I 
have been so long known by my brethren to be practically the re- 
verse of all this, that I can but hope my influence may in this 
respect be peculiarly happy. You know I can not well endure a 
man who attempts, by imagination, to befool my judgment or to 
carry my passions by storm. Then not only have I calmly 
weighed this call for four months, but I am not aware of greater 
feeling respecting it at this time, than I have generally had for 
the past thirteen years. What has come to your observation is 
equally well known to the companions and advisers of my 
earliest Christian walk. By many of them I am remembered 
mainly as one consecrated to the cause of Missions. 

"I cannot avoid the impression, that contemplating all this, so 
desirable in the man here needed, renders it a very fearful matter 
for me to decline this service. If I cannot go, to whom may the 
Board look, who is more favorably situated ? If it is not my 
duty, on whom is the duty more plainly devolved ? It is certainly 
no easy task to select such a one. 

"You are prepared now to hear, as my third reason, that I was 
early impressed with this duty ; indeed, solemnly consecrated to 
this work. After many weeks' agonizing conviction of my con- 
dition as a sinner, there was a night when I dared not sleep, nor 
even retire, without an interest in the Saviour's love. As I sat 
alone at midnight searching God's word, every fear fled, every 
sorrow was banished, my heart was relieved ; indeed, it was filled 
with peace. But it did not occur to me that I was forgiven or that 
I was regenerated: I had forgotten my own condition, but oh, the 
preciousness of that glorious gospel ! I thought, if I had a thou- 
sand worlds, I would cheerfully give them all, could the heathen 
have that Bible. Their condition alone seemed to occupy my 
mind. To bear to them a knowledge of the great salvation, first 
awakened in me a desire for the ministry. For that I commenced 
my preparatory study, and when, in consequence of ill health, 



I I 8 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BLRMAH. 

that delightful prospect was darkened, I seriously thought of 
giving up all attempts to preach the gospel. I should have done 
so but for the advice of wiser men. When I last saw Missiona- 
ries sail from Boston, so painful was the thought that I could not 
follow them, that I solemnly resolved to see no more leave our 
shores until I could accompany them — these feelings have never 
left me. When I first met you in the Monthly Concert, you may 
remember I stated these facts, and that though providentially 
forbidden to stand on heathen ground, I was still a Foreign Mis- 
sionary. You all know with what interest I have from month to 
month, and every year, presented this subject before you; and 
that however much I have felt and done for my own charge, I 
have manifested no less interest for this best of causes. I have 
given but one reason at any time for remaining in this country, 
that I was not fit for a foreign field. Now that God has kindly 
removed that objection has he not a right to hold me to my early 
consecration ? True, circumstances have changed. I am now 
surrounded by an affectionate people and many comforts, and 
am blessed with the confidence of my brethren. For all this I 
have felt, and do still feel, truly grateful, and it is no easy matter 
to sever these ties. But did he hand them to me that they shall 
become my idols ? Solemn vows are upon me. Shall I not take 
them up, now that I may? 

"My fourth reason is found in a review of divine providence 
in this matter. I have often asked in much surprise, why, while 
the harvest was great and the laborers were few, God should re- 
ject one who so ardently desired this work? But if it is his will 
that I should enter the sphere now opened, this difficulty is 
solved. At no previous time, until perhaps the last two or three 
years, would I have dared to enter upon this work. Even now my 
health would not admit the many exposures and irregularities 
which necessarily attend the usual Missionary service. 

"God has, for some years, under favorable circumstances, 
detained me in this land, until I am measurably prepared to 
commence this work ; and, at the same time, he has presented 
such associations and responsibilities as would have forbidden 
my engaging in it, however well qualified. During this time, he 



CALL TO BURMAH. H9 

has been gradually preparing just such a field as I could enter. 
At no previous time, perhaps, would it have been best to com- 
mence ; but now the call is immediate and imperative. God 
has led the blind by a way that was not understood, and has 
brought together the man and the work at apparently the proper 
juncture. A little while more, and I should be too old ; a little 
while more, and the field would be overrun with weeds of rank 
luxuriance. Then, again, who informed the Board of this man ? 
How came they, after the decision by our brethren that it was 
proper to call a pastor, to select him, so little known in our 
public bodies, from among the large number of ministers in the 
United States, so many of whom were likely immediately to be 
suggested to their minds ? Why send to the low country of 
Georgia, to take one out of so few, instead of selecting from the 
large number of well qualified men in the New England States ? 
Why not apply to some one of the many that in Worcester, by 
their votes, approved, and solemnly pledged themselves to this 
work ? I have asked them no questions upon this point, and 
know not who or what has thus influenced them. Until the 
morning that I received their letter, I had not even dreamed that 
it might be my duty now to go. But for the want of a better 
solution, I say it looks like the providence of God, after having 
prepared the field, and given the man a heart to the work, 
directing the Board to that very man though surrounded by so 
many more likely to go. 

" If, then, God in his providence has thus made the man and 
the field to meet ; if, at the same time, he has prepared me to 
take your hearts, and those of many brethren in other parts of 
our land with me, thus to secure your sympathies, prayers, and 
co-operation in the work of saving souls, — may I not suppose 
that all these combined indicate somewhat very different from 
blind chance ? Is it not clearly the voice of God's providence ? 
And should we not reverently receive such instruction ? Truly, 
it is thus that he aids us in seeking our duty in his word and at 
the throne of grace. 

"A fifth consideration is derived from the present state of the 
Missionary cause. To me, this has, for some time, appeared to 
I I 



I 20 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

rest, if not to retrograde. The most solemn appeals fail to 
secure either men or money. I refer, not to the fact that some 
few may decline this service when addressed, or that our funds 
have this year fallen short of a former year by upwards of $3,000. 
There may be more men and money in the service than ten 
years since. But I allude more particularly to the solemn 
consideration that present wants are not as cheerfully and 
amply met, as were the wants of former days. We have prayed, 
•Thy kingdom come,' and God has mercifully answered the 
prayer in part ; but it has imposed upon us responsibilities, it 
has made upon us demands, that we are slow to meet. The 
population of the heathen world has increased ; each station has 
progressed ; new fields of labor have providentially opened ; 
and the labors of wicked men against Christ and his cause have 
augmented far beyond the increase of our efforts to convert the 
world to the cross of our Lord and Saviour. And this has 
occurred amid the unparalleled prosperity of our churches at 
home. We have money, until it is like a gangrene to the piety 
of our members. We have numbers, until a large portion of 
the church have become the veriest idlers in the Lord's vineyard, 
or are engaged mainly in carping at and retarding the effective 
labor of others. It is not my purpose here to account for this state 
of things ; but if my life would help to remove it, I ought cheerfully 
to surrender it. Rather than in any way to increase it, let a mill- 
stone be hanged to my neck and me be cast into the depths of the 
sea. I believe every one does increase it who turns his back 
upon the claims of the world, whatever sacrifice it may demand. 
" In my last year's missionary discourse, I suggested the prob- 
ability that the time was not distant, when the claims of this 
cause would become the touchstone to the sincerity of our pro- 
fessions of Christianity. The time has come when those who 
know the facts in the case must respond, in men and money, to 
the beseeching cries of the heathen, or forfeit a good conscience 
and the approbation of God; and, may I not add, greatly endan- 
ger souls for eternity. This is a time when deep anxiety per- 
vades the friends of Christ and the heathen. Shall I add 
to that anxiety ? Shall I increase the lethargy that possesses 



CALL TO BURMAH. 121 

so large a portion of the Church, by flinching from difficulties, 
and then presenting excuses which others will not approve, and 
which I myself cannot peacefully trust ? It cannot be ; the pres- 
ent state of this cause demands unreserved consecration, and 
the most prompt and hearty action in the service. 

" The last consideration I will mention, is the effect of my 
decision on others. All Christians are closely observed, partic- 
ularly in this line of gospel ministry. Their conduct is rigidly 
compared with their professions. To this we certainly should 
not object. Should we unwisely do so, it can neither do away 
the effects of our conduct, nor relieve us from the solemn 
responsibility thereof. We should, therefore, let our light so 
shine, that others seeing our good works may be led to glorify 
God. This is true in proportion as we have publicly espoused 
Christ and his cause. It is well known that I have always 
spoken freely upon the claims of Missions. I have pleaded for 
both men and money ; and have often professed my readiness 
personally to enter the foreign field, if others, qualified to 
decide, thought me fit. Not only then may I be judged as a 
Christian and a Christian Minister, but as an avowed friend to 
the cause. And what but incredulity in our professions could 
be expected to follow my conduct, should I now practically 
deny the whole of my former instructions. Not only would the 
worldly-minded distrust me, and thence the cause, but would 
not Christians, and even my ministering brethren feel their con- 
fidence weakened in the Ministry ? Would they not be liable to 
infer that, however good this subject may be for declamation, it is 
deemed too cross-bearing for practice ? When next we approach 
them with the claims of God and the heathen, may they not say 
to us, ' They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne and 
lay them on young men's shoulders ; but they themselves would 
not move them with one of their fingers ? ' Indeed, in so 
saying would they not utter a truth capable of ever after keeping 
us silent ? May not one difficulty, now found in obtaining the 
right men and sufficient funds be that this has been expressed 
or even suspected ? How fearful, too, would this influence be 
upon the people of my own charge ! You know with what 



122 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

plainness I have ever preached to you the gospel. I have kept 
back nothing which I deemed for your good, the Bible being 
my guide. I have not sought your praise or pleasure ; but 
your welfare, your piety, your usefulness. I have often and 
earnestly presented you the requisition of God for self-denial, 
and the right use of your property, and I must do you the 
justice to say, that in no instance has any complaint reached 
me on account of this plain dealing. But I am too well aware 
of the fact that you have not always believed me. Certainly, if 
you had, men of property especially would either have given 
more freely to supply the wants of a perishing world, or have for- 
saken a ministry from which they heard so frequent reproaches. 
So also in our Church and Congregational concerns, I have 
often asked you to make sacrifices for their welfare. And 
though I have never said go, but come ; yet I am not ignorant 
that, in some, there have been moments of suspicion that my 
object might be personal interest. Of this I do not complain; 
it was natural. I have far more reason for gratitude that you 
have so cheerfully endeavored to execute my plans. But 
should I now cleave to the many comforts around me, would 
not the mind very naturally misinterpret the act ? Would not 
some eventually conclude it far easier to preach than to practice, 
and even justly say, ' It always appears his duty to take good 
care of himself ? ' Could I, after that, preach as I have hitherto 
done ? 

"And if such be the influence upon your minds, what must it 
be upon that portion of my charge who have no personal inter- 
est in the Saviour. They are honorable men, and have a right 
to expect consistency in their preacher. However much they may 
be pleased with a declamation, will they not scorn the instruc- 
tions and warnings of a man whose sacrifices consist only in 
words, who demands from others what he is unwilling to attempt 
himself? Will they not transfer their emotions to their intellects, 
from this to other subjects, until from despisers of me and thence 
of my office, they become skeptics of the worst cast, and ulti- 
mately lose their souls ? Not only do I see the possibility of this, 
but I see not how it could be otherwise. To prevent this would 



CALL TO BURMAH. 



123 



require better reasons than it is in my power to give. I would 
not dare they should weigh me in my own balance. 

"But to all this, my dear brethren, why should I subject my- 
self, the ministry, the Church, the cause, and the souls of my 
people — souls committed to my charge, which before God I have 
solemnly promised, if possible, to lead to Christ and heaven? 
Sincerely I have preached what and no more than I thought the 
Bible contained. Honestly have I asked, without fear or favor, 
that my Master's claims should not be rejected. I have not pre- 
sented principles which I could not myself believe, nor duties 
which I would not at least try to practice. Thus far, with the 
allowance due to the infirmities of our nature, I feel assured 
you can bear me witness, that my life has not falsified my verbal 
instructions. Surely I ought not now to hazard that point by 
cleaving to the comforts and kind friends, so mercifully loaned 
me for a time by our Heavenly Father. 

" May I not hope the reverse of this will attend my cheerful 
compliance with duty ? If, holding as I do, so much worldly 
good in my hand, I voluntarily resign it ; if I now sacrifice my 
all, the result of a kind Providence over me for years, solely to 
obey Christ and benefit souls, — will it not be a voice, to my friends 
at least, that must be heard, an appeal that will be felt ? Thus 
acting honestly and cheerfully, as I have desired others to do, 
and as I have professed my own readiness to do, will it not place 
beyond every reasonable doubt the sincerity of my past instruc- 
tions ? Will not my ministering brethren be strengthened thereby, 
especially when I can sincerely assert my firm conviction, that 
every honest minister of Christ would do the same or its equiva- 
lent, should duty be made plain ? Can it fail to induce them and 
private Christians, by prayer and effort, to join us in this holy 
work? Will it not happily influence the minds of our brethren, 
hitherto opposed to Missions ? Often have they suspected our 
motives when pleading this cause ; they have feared that for our 
selfish interests we were imposing upon our brethren, whom we 
sent abroad, and upon those from whom we solicit funds at 
home. But after having so long been engaged in this work here, 
they cannot deem me ignorant of what has been supposed to be 

T T* 



I 24 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

behind the curtain, and assuredly they will not charge me with 
folly sufficient to cast away so many earthly blessings, in order 
to become the mere tool of designing men to accomplish wicked 
purposes. If for a moment they have ever deemed it possible 
that even our Missionaries are seeking to advance their tem- 
poral interests, they cannot fail in this case to see their mistake. 
What earthly recompense can that heathen land make me? 
Will they continue to say that none go who have any thing to 
lose ? and will not correct views in this case lead to suitable 
impressions respecting the cause generally? 

" I cannot but think, where circumstances require such a 
sacrifice, and the demand is cheerfully met, it is adapted to 
strengthen men's faith in the ministry and its teachings, in the 
Church and its professions. To avoid dangerous and to secure 
healthful influences is with the gospel ministry of the first im- 
portance. I deem it well purchased at almost any amount of 
sacrifice. 

" I have endeavored to present, briefly as possible, some of 
the reasons which have induced my decision. I have not 
decided from contemplating any one of these ; but each in its 
.place and all combined leave a conviction on my mind that 
cannot be resisted. Should you, under such circumstances, retain 
me, I am confident that you would have only a Jonah, whom 
you would soon seek to cast into the sea. I trust I am not 
understood to imply that any obligation rests upon me to the 
general cause, which does not equally belong to every member 
of Christ's body. For this particular field, special considerations 
must be weighed by me. It may not be the duty of all to go to 
Burmah, or to any other foreign land ; but surely we are all 
Christ's, and ought as a church to obey his last command, to 
send the gospel into all the world, until it be preached to every 
creature. Nor can any one of us be absolved from our part of 
that momentous trust. 

"I hope, also, that, when I allude to sacrifices, I am under- 
stood to speak only after the manner of men. 

"I confidently believe you will not only cheerfully resign me 
to this cause, but that you will with me give liberally, uniformly, 



CALL TO BURMA H. I 25 

and to the end, of your substance to accomplish this glorious 
work. That the Great Head of the Church, who purchased it 
with his own blood, and who loves it far better than we can do, 
will provide for its wants, I cannot doubt. In him alone is my 
trust for you and myself. To him, my dear brethren, I commend 
you. 

' I remain very truly your affectionate pastor, 

J. G. BlNNEY.'" 

After the reading of this paper, it was voted to receive the 
same, and refer it to a Special Committee, consisting of Brethren 
A. Harmon, T. Clark, W. W. Wash, and the Church Clerk, with 
power to act or report at pleasure. 

It was also voted that a copy thereof be presented to the pew- 
holders at the earliest opportunity. 

June 1st. At the regular monthly Church Meeting, the above- 
named Committee reported as follows. 

"We recommend to the Church the adoption of the fol- 
lowing : 

" Resolved I, That this Church gratefully acknowledges the 
divine goodness to us, in the delightful relation which has 
existed between us and our beloved Pastor for nearly six years, 
and in the many blessings bestowed upon us during that time. 

" Resolved II, That we deeply feel the loss we sustain in his 
removal, but in view of the document he has presented us, we 
cannot but approve his decision, and regard it as a dispensation 
of God in which, however afflictive, we ought cheerfully to 
acquiesce. 

"Resolved III, That when our Pastor leaves us, he takes with 
him our highest confidence and affection ; that his fidelity to this 
Church, and the sacrifice which we know he makes, are sufficient 
promise of his fidelity in a foreign land. 

" Resolved IV, That by our Pastor's consent, the Committee 
appointed at the last meeting be authorized to print in pamphlet 
form, our proceedings upon this subject." 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. 



I 26 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

When the question of going to Burmah was settled, 
he and Mrs. Binney went at once to Augusta, Georgia, 
to visit the Baptist Church and people, by request of their 
young pastor, Rev. Wm. T. Brantly. Then commenced 
the acquaintance between these two, which ripened into 
a warm and lasting friendship. Though on leaving his 
native land for Burmah, he received several gold pens 
as mementos of friendship, the one on which was in- 
scribed "W. T. Brantly to J. G. Binney," was ever kept 
on his table, in the bracket of a bronze inkstand, the 
gift of another dear friend, and mostly used by him. It 
is the pen now used to couple their names on this 
page. 

This visit to Augusta was remembered with great sat- 
isfaction, and made frequent subject of conversation in 
after years in the wilds of Karen jungles. The people 
everywhere received them with open hearts, and listened 
to his addresses on missions with eagerness. Every- 
where, however, the effort was made to dissuade him 
from leaving Georgia. The great destitution, and the 
need of such men, were strongly pleaded as a rea- 
son for his remaining in the State. Especially was the 
ignorance and apathy on Foreign Missions presented as 
a reason why one so well informed and so earnest 
should remain to intercede in its behalf. The perils and 
discomforts of a sea voyage of four or five months, 
loomed up before them, and well they might. That 
would have been a vivid imagination that could have 
exceeded the reality. 

An event occurred here which seemed well adapted 
to impress upon all minds the truth, that perils are not 



CALL TO BUR MALL. 12J 

confined to times or places, but that our " times are in 
his hands." 

While in Augusta, Mr. and Mrs. Binney received the 
hospitalities of William Turpin, M.D.,the honored father- 
in-law of Mr. Brantly, who with his wife was also stay- 
ing at his house, a mile or two from town. After an 
early evening meeting, held in behalf of Foreign Mis- 
sions in the town, Mr. and Mrs. Binney entered the 
carriage of Dr. Turpin, which had been sent in to con- 
vey them home. The clouds were threatening rain, and 
it was very dark ; but as the road was good, and one with 
which both coachman and horses were very familiar, no 
danger was apprehended. When but a short distance 
out, however, a vivid flash of lightning, followed instant- 
ly by a terrific crash, caused the horses to spring to one 
side, and precipitate themselves and the carriage down 
an embankment. As the carriage was thrown upon one 
side, Mr. Binney was able to open the door of the oppo- 
site side, and thus escaping, aided by the flashes of 
lightning, they reached the road. Though unharmed, 
their condition was not an enviable one. The rain was 
pouring down in torrents; the coachman and horses in 
the ditch, and though the former declared himself "all 
right," the latter made no sign. It was fully half a mile 
to the nearest shelter, which by the advice of the coach- 
man they attempted to find. In this they were success- 
ful ; but the owner was alone, with the exception of an 
old negro woman, and so much under the influence of 
Georgia whiskey, that he was neither able to go to the 
scene of disaster with Mr. Binney, nor fit to be left 
with a lady. After much persuasion, however, with 



128 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

the help of the old woman, he started out to aid in ex- 
tricating the horses and carnage, but the drenching rain 
brought him, partially at least, to his senses, and he 
rushed back, declaring to Mrs. Binney, that he would 
have nothing to do in helping a runaway match out of 
their difficulties. " Nothing but an attempt to escape 
over the border to get married would ever have taken a 
young couple out on such a night." 

Mr. Binney secured the lantern, however, and the 
horses and carriage were brought on at length, neither 
seriously injured; but it was thought best to walk home 
and not risk them again. A warm reception, a warm 
room, a warm bath, and a good night's rest, brought all 
right so far as Mr. and Mrs. Binney were concerned ; 
and, as it was rather a serio-comic affair, had it ended 
then, it would have afforded equal occasion for gratitude 
and mirth. But it did not end there. Mrs. Brantly 
was in very delicate health, and the fright she experi- 
enced from the perilous adventure of her friends brought 
on convulsions ; and the next day the doctor had little 
hope of her recovery. For several days the life of 
this almost idolized wife and daughter hung in the 
greatest suspense. It pleased God, however, to spare 
her life and restore her to health again. 

Soon after this Mr. and Mrs. Binney attended the 
Georgia Baptist State Convention held in Madison. 
Here many new and pleasant acquaintances were formed 
with the brethren of Upper Georgia. The subject of 
Missions was discussed, and their claims enforced, 
both socially and publicly, and much interest was 
awakened. The friends there had positive proof that 



CALL TO BURMA ff. I 29 

one man at least believed in the duty and practica- 
bility of obedience to the Saviour's last command, to 
"preach the gospel to every creature." 

There, also, the old argument was brought up, that 
Georgia was emphatically mission ground ; and was 
met, also, with the answer, that for the ignorance that 
prevails, either among the poor whites or the colored 
people of Georgia, the Master will hold its Christian 
citizens responsible. The force of the answer was felt, 
and many and hearty were the confessions of neglect in 
this respect. It was very evident that Domestic as well 
as Foreign Missions received a new impulse. 

At the close of the session, the spacious house being 
crowded, all passed before the desk and shook hands in 
turn with their missionary friends, and with many tears 
and benedictions said their last farewells. Even little 
children wept as they looked upon the faces and took 
the hands of those whom they deemed martyrs for 
Jesus' sake. 

Dr. Binney returned directly to Savannah ; closing up 
his affairs, both public and private, with all possible de- 
spatch, he preached his last sermon to his church and 
congregation, and embarked with Mrs. Binney for Boston 
on the first of July. The last Lord's Day was a memo- 
rable day to the church; the place was literally a 
"Bochim," a place of tears. The next day citizens of 
Savannah of every rank and condition followed them to 
the ship, one of the regular line of sailing packets ply- 
ing between New York and Savannah ; for this was 
before the days of railroads and of the swift steamers 
which now bring the cities so near to each other. With 



I 30 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

the usual passionate impulsiveness of the colored people, 
they literally wailed and screamed, as their friends 
stepped on board the vessel that was to carry them for- 
ever from their sight. All their friends were extremely 
kind; and their esteem and good wishes were shown, 
not only in words, but also in numerous presents, pre- 
cious mementos of their Savannah friends when they 
should be far away. 

Their passage to New York was a little foretaste of 
what was to follow. They had head winds with high 
seas, and were fourteen days in the crowded vessel, in 
the hottest part of the year. To add to the discomfort, 
sugar, ice, and all kinds of vegetables gave out several 
days before they reached New York, and even bread 
was becoming scarce. 



CHAPTER IX. 

PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE. 

July to November, 1843. 

FROM the middle of July till the time of their em- 
barking forBurmah, the following November, 1843, 
Mr. and Mrs. Binney made their home at the house of 
R. E. Pattison, D.D., Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was 
then the Home Secretary of the American Baptist 
Missionary Board, having its headquarters at Boston. 
From this home Mr. Binney went abroad, visiting Asso- 
ciations and other meetings, not only in Massachusetts, 
but in other States, doing what he could for the Mission 
cause. Everywhere he produced the impression that 
he thoroughly believed in the claims of this cause to 
which he had consecrated himself. He preached one 
sermon many times that summer and autumn. As it 
was not written, it was probably somewhat varied to 
suit occasions, but the outline was the same ; the text was, 
" Lord, what wilt thou have me to do " ? He repeated 
this sermon, generally, by special request. He would 
leave home having prepared a different subject, not even 
taking the analysis of this with him, but would be urged 
to repeat the sermon preached on such an occasion, and 
he would yield to the request. He never wrote it out 
in full, and when requested to do so, would say, 

" I don't think I could. Perhaps a reporter could do 
12 131 



132 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 



so ; but I am too much in earnest ; I lose the inspira- 
tion as soon as I try to write it." 

Each repetition cost him a great expenditure of labor, 
and brought on nervous exhaustion, like making the 
sermon anew ; or even greater than new sermons gene- 
rally did. 

Among other cities, he visited Buffalo, by request of 
Rev. E. Tucker, pastor of one of the churches. His 
heart was thoroughly enlisted in the Foreign Mission 
cause, and he gave Mr. Binney an opportunity, not only 
of preaching to men of means and influence in the city, 
but also of becoming personally acquainted with them. 
Before leaving Buffalo, Mr. Tucker planned to spend a 
day with his friends at Niagara Falls. He took them in 
his private carriage, as the day was fine, and it would 
afford them an opportunity of viewing the Falls from 
the most favorable points without great fatigue. After 
spending an exceedingly pleasant day in this way, Mr. 
Tucker discovered that he could obtain a remarkably 
fine view by walking out to the very verge of the stream 
upon an immense tree which had fallen above the cata- 
ract. Its topmost branches were actually laved by the 
current, and many of them had been broken off by its 
force. He was quite transported by the view, and 
walked back and forth several times to persuade Mr. 
Binney to enjoy it also; but while expatiating on the 
ease with which it could be done, his foot touched the 
water and was tripped from under him in an instant. 
He threw himself prostrate upon the tree, and clung to 
a branch, but was unable to bring up the unfortunate 
foot. Mr Binney took in the position at a glance, and 



PRE PA RA TION FOR DEPAR TORE. I 3 3 

walked out boldly, caught him by the collar, and with 
almost superhuman effort brought him to the tree in 
safety. Mrs. Binney, seeing her husband's purpose, shut 
her. eyes and did not move till she heard Mr. Tucker 
exclaim, " All right," and Mr. Binney respond with au- 
thority, " Now, Brother Tucker, behave yourself! " Mr. 
Tucker brought himself upright, and with a look of 
distress, clapped his hands to his head, exclaiming, 
" But, Brother Binney, you have lost my hat ; I paid ten 
dollars for that beaver last week." Mr. Binney, who had 
a keen sense of the ludicrous, shouted with laughter, in 
which Mr. Tucker heartily joined. When they had 
composed themselves, Mrs. Binney suggested that they 
had seen enough for one day, and it would be well to 
call the carriage. This was promptly done, and Mr. 
Tucker went back to Buffalo with a wet foot and bare 
head ; but all were thankful that so pleasant a day had 
a comical rather than a tragical ending. 

The preparation for a sea voyage of four or five 
months' duration and for living in a country almost un- 
known, and where many necessaries were not to be 
obtained, was a very different thing from preparing for 
Burmah now. The crossing of the Atlantic in a fine 
steamer is an every-day occurrence, and requires little 
addition to one's usual wardrobe ; then, a few days in 
Scotland or England enables one to start again re- 
freshed, on another fine steamer for thirty-five or forty 
days more; and for this it is easy to calculate and pre- 
pare. Then again, little is needed for Burmah ; all the 
real necessaries of life can now be procured in Rangoon 
as readily as in New York City. 



134 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Then, ignorance of what was really desirable made 
the preparation more difficult than it otherwise would 
have been ; but the work was done mostly by Mrs. 
Binney, assisted by the deft fingers — not machines — of 
a few kind friends in Roxbury. Many last visits were 
paid ; and when all was completed it only remained to 
have a farewell meeting; this was held in Bowdoin 
Square Church, Boston, November 5th, 1843. 

Mr. Binney's address on that occasion is given entire, 
that the views with which he entered on the work and 
the spirit which actuated him may appear in his own 
language. 

ADDRESS OF MR. BINNEY. 

" The present occasion is one of deep interest. Not only is it 
so to the Church generally, which is moved by whatever affects 
any portion of Christ's cause; and to our own immediate rela- 
tives and friends, who regard it as one of the last stages of a 
process which is soon to separate us from them ; but particularly 
is it so to the parties immediately concerned. The Board are 
about to increase their already numerous responsibilities, and 
cannot but be anxious respecting the result of our appointment. 
The missionaries to-night occupy a position whence we can 
readily observe what has been and is about to be relinquished, 
and with some certainty, anticipate the, to us, untried circum- 
stances and labors to which we are designated. Our age and 
past circumstances prepare us to feel the solemnity of now con- 
firming our former resolutions. 

We are not surprised, therefore, that many inquire, why, at 
our period in life, we are induced to enter upon the uncertain 
vicissitudes of a foreign field. In the few remarks that I may 
make this evening, let me first glance at what has induced this 
determination. 

It is not, dear friends, that this step involves no sacrifice on 
our part. We do not, indeed, anticipate many of the trials to 



PRE PARA TIONS FOR DEPARTURE. I 3 5 

which the pioneers of this cause were exposed. Some of these 
arose from a combination of circumstances such as seldom 
occurs. Others were peculiar to new and untried fields. Such 
is the condition of our places of destination, that we do not 
apprehend a violent death nor imprisonment ; though we are 
too well acquainted with the instability and caprice of arbitrary 
governments, not to know that possibly we may be subjected 
even to these. Such also are the facilities of intercourse between 
these stations and the churches at home, that it cannot be 
necessary to expose us to great deprivations of any of the com- 
forts of life. To anticipate them, therefore, would be an unchar- 
itable suspicion of our brethren and friends, which we have not 
for a moment indulged. 

But if extraordinary trials may not await us, we cannot forget 
that the happiness or the suffering of life depend mostly on its 
more ordinary events. Its every-day bestowments are the most 
essential to our welfare ; and these, to no small extent, must be 
relinquished by every one who becomes a Foreign Missionary. 
We know the privileges of this free country, and we have enjoyed 
its literary, social, and religious associations ; our homes were 
stored with comforts as yours are to-night. We loved our 
people, and they loved us ; our numerous relatives and our 
other personal friends are unspeakably dear to us ; our very 
language is replete with the most tender associations ; hitherto 
in our anxieties and labors, we have had the sympathy and co- 
operation of many friends, and in perplexing circumstances we 
have been associated with those ready to counsel us, and to 
share with us our responsibilities. I speak the sentiment of you 
all, when I say, that suddenly to part with any such tributaries 
to your happiness would deeply afflict you. You know what 
sorrow is experienced when Divine Providence lessens your 
comforts, or removes even a single loved one from your family 
circles. What, then, must be our feelings, when called to 
relinquish nearly all, of every class, at about one and the same 
time ? Believe us, no one who has the sympathies of a man and 
the tender attachments that a Christian should possess, can be- 
come a foreign missionary without great sacrifices. 

12* 



I36 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Of this we are well assured. Our age and habits forbid the 
indulgence of mere romance. Missionary labor is now too well 
known, as an every-day business, fitted to test our patience and 
exhaust our powers. We have seen too much of men and things, 
to be deceived respecting the position we are really to occupy. 
Besides, we are too well acquainted with the true state of mission- 
ary feeling and action at home, to indulge in mere imagining. It 
is a painful fact, taught us by years of pastoral labor and observa- 
tion, that the missionary is not remembered as he should be by 
the great body of church members. True, there are exceptions to 
this ; and to us it is a consolation which no language can 
express, that there are a few who will daily remember us and 
our labors, in earnest prayer to God, and from whom we may 
expect prompt and persevering co-operation. May our Heav- 
enly Father long spare their lives and their means of useful- 
ness, and may he greatly increase their number. But how 
very few there are, who are conscious that the wants, and 
especially the usefulness, of the missionary are the subjects of 
their daily secret pleading with God ! And even to the 
"Monthly Concert" prayer-meeting, how very small a part of 
the church come up to pray the Lord of the harvest, either to 
send forth more laborers, or to bless those already in the field ! 
How few pastors succeed in obtaining a general attendance of 
their people upon this meeting ! Alas, how few pastors so much 
as expect all their people to be interested in this work of praying 
for the missionary cause ! Even in our cities, it is often thought 
necessary to invite the meetings of different churches, in order to 
secure an ordinary assembly. And then, how small is the number 
of those who cheerfully make sacrifices, that they may be able to 
give liberally to this cause ! And how much smaller is the num- 
ber of those who faithfully labor to induce others to give ! And 
when once they sincerely engage in this work, how easily do other 
subjects divide their ranks and divert their efforts ! Upon their 
constancy in prayer, and in effort for this cause, our success 
largely depends. With so intimate an acquaintance, then, with 
this whole subject, it would indeed be strange, if we were not so- 
berly to contemplate the work upon which we are about to enter. 



PRE PAR A TIONS FOR DEPAR PURE. I 3 7 

No, brethren, we are not influenced to this step by the sup- 
position that sacrifices are here no longer required ; nor because 
we have failed to see that necessity. Not only is the sphere one 
of necessary self-denial, but we entered upon it with our eyes 
open. 

Nor is it because we depreciate the wants of our churches at 
home, that we are induced to embark in this cause. With these 
we have long been familiar, and they have enlisted our sympa- 
thies and secured our efforts. But we are painfully impressed 
with the disinclination of our brethren to enter the foreign field. 
Notwithstanding the destitute condition of much of our own 
land, yet in our older country communities, churches and 
preachers are multiplied until they are brought almost to every 
door ; and in our cities and larger towns, evangelical ministers 
are crowded together, and many are running to and fro ; so that 
not a few find it difficult to obtain a settlement, and the efficiency 
of others is often sadly diminished. We are confident, there- 
fore, that others will soon fill the desirable stations we vacate ; 
but where are the men, ready and waiting to enter the wide 
doors of usefulness which are constantly opening abroad ? 
Again and again has the cry of the missionary, fainting amid his 
toils, come up into our churches in vain for help. Even the 
awakened heathen have joined in that request, until their thrill- 
ing appeals have forced tears from our laymen and flaming 
speeches from our ministers. Some have been led to say, "Go, 
go to their rescue;" but alas! how few respond to the appeal 
with, — " Here am I, Lord, send me." It is this that moves us, 
that so few devote themselves to this work. 

Nor is it that we are led by any new and special impulses pe- 
culiar to ourselves. We have no desire to rid us of the enjoy- 
ments of home ; our circumstances and employments here are 
by far the most congenial to our natural tastes ; and we confess 
that at times our hearts even recoil from the peculiar condition 
of the heathen land. We can see no obligation resting upon us, 
that does not rest upon Christ's disciples as such ; and we know 
of no divine wrath that awaits us if we go not, more than also 
awaits our ministering brethren who remain at home. We seri- 



138 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR M AH. 



ously doubt whether many of the members of our churches, 
who live so much for worldly good, — and many of our pastors 
who still cleave to their native land, have not, at some period of 
their Christian course, had impressions like our own. Indeed, 
we solemnly believe that they have often heard the cry of the 
heathen, and the command of Christ, and have been troubled 
thereby; and that had it not been for the "difficulties of the for- 
eign field, the influence of near friends, and the allurements of 
this happy country, they would have known their duty. We say 
not this for the sake of complaint, but that our own feelings may 
not be mistaken upon this subject. After an intimate acquaint- 
ance at home with young converts, with members of our churches, 
and with our ministering brethren, as learned from their own 
declarations, we can find in our own experience no impressions 
which most of them have not more than once felt. 

But if neither of these considerations has induced our deci- 
sion, so neither one nor all of them can be permitted to keep us 
from the path of duty. Our views of the cause outweigh any 
number of difficulties, and constrain us to go on, not knowing 
what may befall us. 

In reflecting upon the state of the heathen, and in comparing 
their temporal condition with that of our own happy country, we 
have ever supposed that this wide difference arose from the fact 
that upon us were showered the benign influences of Christianity, 
while upon them came only blighting and mildew ; — their false 
gods and their necessarily false principles have, like bands of 
locusts, overspread the nations and desolated all that was lovely 
and conducive to true happiness. We confess, our sympathies 
have often been moved by this reflection, and we have wondered 
why the gospel might not be made to impart these blessings to 
the whole family of man ; though we are not certain that this 
view alone would secure our determination. 

But when we remember their eternal prospects, there can be 
no longer any question, how much expense may be justified, to 
make them acquainted with the great salvation. We do honest- 
ly believe the Bible to be God's own word, that all its assertions 
are true, and that all its promises and threatenings will be ful- 



PRE PA RA TIONS FOR DEPAR TURE. I 3 9 

filled. We cannot, therefore, expel the thought that "The wicked 
shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God;" 
that "There is no other name under heaven given among men, 
whereby we must be saved," than that which the gospel pre- 
sents ; and that the heathen, though very ignorant, have some 
knowledge which they do not improve, "so that they are without 
excuse." On the other hand, " The Scripture saith, Whosoever 
believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no differ- 
ence between the Jew and the Greek ; for the same Lord over all 
is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call 
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they 
call on him in whom they have not believed ? And how shall 
they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? And how 
shall they hear without a preacher ? And how shall they preach 
except they be sent?" With us, therefore, there is no question, 
that about six hundred millions of souls, precious as are our own, 
are exposed to the wrath of God, and to endless misery in hell ; 
that millions of souls are every year hastening into wretchedness 
infinitely more dreadful than the worst of their temporal state, 
which so easily excites our compassion ; and that nothing known 
to us can save them from this unspeakably awful prospect, but 
the minister of the gospel, proclaiming "the Lamb of God who 
taketh away the sin of the world." 

Now what, dear brethren, are our earthly interests compared 
with the welfare of millions of souls, each of which, our Saviour 
has taught us, is of more value than the "whole world?" Is it 
possible for us to retain our confidence in God's word, and yet to 
evade the awful pressure of this thought ? For years it has been 
before us, and we must turn infidel in intellect or in heart before 
we can banish it. As truly as the Bible is the inspired word of 
God, so truly can nothing but the preaching of the gospel rescue 
these millions from the woes of hell : nothing else can light up 
in their hearts the anticipation of that rest in heaven which so 
much cheers and comforts us to-night. 

Immediately connected with this reason is another. Our 
Divine Master has commanded his church and ministers to give 
this gospel to the world. We say our Divine Master has so 



140 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

commanded. He is assuredly that much to us, or he is nothing. 
Whatever he bids, we must do; or cease to be his servants. 
Upon that condition alone did we become his; and that condi- 
tion, that we take up our cross daily, that if necessary to obey 
him, we hate father and mother, and brother and sister, and 
houses and lands, yea, and our own lives also, — was by us dis- 
tinctly understood. 

Now Christ has commanded us to go into all the world and 
preach the gospel to every creature. Should a doubt still linger 
whether on account of the greatness of this sacrifice, it might not 
be declined; let his sayings still linger in our ears, while he adds 
— " If any man will save his life, he shall lose it." — " It is enough 
for the disciple to be as his Master, and the servant as his 
Lord." — " No man, having put his hand to the plough, and look- 
ing back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Now, our brethren 
through the length and breadth of the land have heard this 
command, but from various considerations they decline the 
service. It is not for us to inquire, how far they may be safe in 
so doing ; it is enough that Christ commands the work to be 
done, and that by his church. If others will not go forth, as 
they certainly do not, then that duty must be ours. Should 
he come to remove the candlesticks from unfaithful churches, 
and to turn dishonest stewards from their office, we would 
count any sacrifice as trifling to be allowed our place in his ser- 
vice. 

One other consideration has greatly conduced to this decision. 
Our Missionary Board have requested us to go. We have 
always regarded that body as the agent of the churches. They 
are elected from the denomination at large, by delegates assem- 
bled from every part of our country, solely for the consideration 
of this subject. To them it is committed, in a special manner, 
to watch over the interests of Christ's kingdom in foreign lands, 
and, in behalf of the churches, to do all in their power that the 
last command of Christ may be fully obeyed. According to the 
best of their judgment, they are to select fields of labor, to commit 
these to the care and efforts of faithful men, and to inform the 
churches, not only of their proceedings, but of the means neces- 



PRE PARA TIONS FOR BE PAR TV RE. I 4 1 

sary most effectually to do the work assigned them. And every 
reasonable request for aid should be promptly and cheerfully 
afforded by those for whom they act. When we committed to 
them the care of this department, we certainly did not expect 
them to conduct its operations at their own expense ; we vir- 
tually pledged to them all necessary means. Besides, the 
churches having thrown upon them the responsibility of this 
department, we, to no small extent, regard them as acting by 
the authority of our Saviour, as well as by the appointment of 
their brethren ; and their request for any amount of aid, in men 
or money, necessary to give the gospel to the perishing, is urged 
upon us to the extent of our ability, by the command of Christ him- 
self. Nor does this at all infringe our right of private judgment ; 
for we ourselves are to judge of that necessity, as we hope at the 
last day, in peace to meet the brethren at the bar of God. To 
this thought we should add, that under present circumstances, 
we must act by some delegation of trust, or not obey the com- 
mission of Christ. We can do but little, if anything, effectually 
in this field, merely as individuals. 

Such have been our views of our relations to the Board, and 
of our obligations to co-operate with them. We believe they 
have been as economical in their department as could reason- 
ably be expected; that the fields they have occupied were 
judiciously selected; and that they have scarcely begun, yet, 
to meet the pressing wants of the world. As they can proceed 
only by the assistance of the churches, so their requests for 
that assistance have never yet exceeded the actual necessities of 
the work assigned them. Hitherto they have asked our 
prayers and our money; and without waiting for personal 
application, we have endeavored to afford our aid. When they 
have issued special appeals, we have made special efforts to 
meet the crisis. They now tell us that they need, not only 
money, but men ; and that, should it upon prayerful reflection 
appear our duty, they wish our personal service in the foreign 
field. What could we say to this ? We had committed to them 
the responsibility of directing this business of winning souls from 
among the nations ; but they have returned upon us the solemn 



142 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

responsibility of co-operating with them ; at the same time they 
inform us how we may best aid in their object. Shall we reply 
that they have progressed sufficiently far in converting the 
world unto God ? Never, never ! so long as millions of immor- 
tal souls are yet ignorant of the great salvation. Shall we say, 
that the Lord's treasury is exhausted, — that no talent of his yet 
remains buried in our napkin, — that We have done all in our 
power ? Before God we dare not assert this. True, that which is 
here required has become so much a part of ourselves, that it 
can now be taken, only as by the drawing of blood. Still, it is 
not our own ; it belongs to the Lord ; and by his grace we can 
render unto God that which is his. What we can do, we ought 
to do, in this case certainly ; and hence our decision. 

Yet think not that, having learned our duty, we are other- 
wise than most cheerful in its performance. Never were we 
happier than at the present time. 

Having stated briefly as possible a few thoughts respecting 
ourselves, allow me to consider a moment, the question, — What 
is the duty of the churches in this matter ? What, dear breth- 
ren, is your duty ? That you will constantly remember us in 
your prayers, and so far as circumstances allow, afford us com- 
fortable support, we cannot doubt. This is understood. The field 
is divided. We take one department, and you retain the other. 
We "go down into the well," and you "hold the rope." But 
there is one feature of this obligation which may not be so 
generally apprehended, and which may be illustrated by the 
expression just quoted. If any one descends into a well to 
perform a labor common to himself and to him who remains 
above, the latter is obligated, not merely to hold the rope for the 
safety of the former, but to afford him such facilities that he may 
most successfully accomplish their common object. It is surely 
wrong to require him in the well, because he has already 
the most difficult department, also to work to disadvantage ; 
unnecessarily to expend his strength and to impair his constitu- 
tion. Yet such has been the condition of missionaries : their 
own maintenance has been sufficient ; but they have been 
compelled to work to disadvantage. Often have they frittered 



PRE PAR A TIONS FOR DEPA R TURE. \ 43 

away their strength, and impaired their constitution, for want of 
facilities, and especially for want of fellow-laborers, to accom- 
plish that for which they went forth. How often have you 
heard the agonizing cry of your brethren, assuring you that 
they were almost exhausted from over-exertion, and that the 
work all about them remained unaccomplished for the want 
of necessary assistance ; and imploring you, by all that was 
momentous for time and eternity, to send them help ? This is 
what at times oppresses us : the thought that you may not 
perceive, or that you may not fully appreciate, this part of the 
home obligation ; that we may be left at the bottom of the well, 
without the facilities for working to advantage, and that, con- 
sequently, all our trials may prove comparatively in vain, — this 
is painful beyond expression. A comfortable support is not the 
object of our solicitude ; that we could more readily obtain at 
home. It is, that we may be enabled to accomplish the work for 
which we relinquish those many blessings which you retain. 
We have been reminded this evening of our solemn obligations 
to Christ and his church for the results of our labor. To the 
sentiments advanced we add our most hearty Amen. We 
reflected upon them before our decision, and they have ap- 
peared to us far more appalling than all personal deprivations. 
Were it not written, " Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end 
of the world," and, "My grace is sufficient for thee," those 
sentiments, so true and solemn, would dispel our every thought 
of entering the field of foreign missions. But judge, dear 
brethren, the extent of our sorrow, if to this and to all our 
other sources of solicitude, there be joined the painful con- 
sciousness that we are expected to make bricks without straw ; 
if we are held accountable for results which are utterly beyond 
our control, from the w r ant of your full co-operation. We know 
that God will not be deceived. Yet we may be exceedingly 
unhappy even respecting this part of our responsibility. A 
tender conscience may so severely judge us, that eternity alone 
may render clear to us the true cause of our failure. I know, 
dear brethren, that you now understand us. I think I hear you 
say, "That were indeed unjust; that ought never to be; the 

13 



144 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Board should afford you every facility." But, alas, what can the 
Board do ? Nothing but direct the means supplied by the 
churches. It is by the churches, through them, that these facili- 
ties must be afforded ; and each one in this assembly should feel 
his personal responsibility to the missionary. 

But your greatest obligations are to Christ, our common Lord, 
and to his cause in the world. Christians generally have not 
clearly apprehended these ; at least, they have not done so in 
comparison with what they deem obligatory upon those who 
enter the foreign department. Christ gave his command to his 
disciples as such. He taught them all, that they were not their 
own ; that they were to enter any department of his vineyard, 
where, according to their talents, they might most effectually 
serve him. However varied, then, may be the particular duties 
of Christians, the principle of consecration is one. In whatever 
department they may be, to the performance of its duties they 
are to devote every ability of soul and body, of time and 
property. Every other one is as truly bound to live wholly for 
Christ and his cause, as is the foreign missionary, — to do as 
much, and to suffer as much, up to the wants of the cause and 
to his capacity. And this consideration is paramount to every 
other. The responsibilities of no particular department can 
require more ; nor can the favorable circumstances of any 
sphere require less, so lo?ig as ?nillions of souls are in a perishing 
conditioti. 

It is in accordance with this view, that, under God, we become 
ministers or missionaries. Nor has any disciple of Christ a 
right to devote his talents to the calling of a lawyer, physician, 
merchant, mechanic, or farmer upon any other principle. Nor, 
according to this, has any minister of the gospel a right to yield 
to the inducements of a home settlement, if his aid is more 
needed abroad; provided he is qualified for that sphere, or 
provided that by severe discipline he may obtain that qualifica- 
tion. It is not enough that he does good. He is obligated as 
the disciple of Christ to do the most good in his power ; and that 
often depends as much upon the necessities of the field as upon 
the amount of labor performed. If any seriously doubt this, it 



PRE PA RA TIONS FOR DEPAR PURE. I 4 5 

is surely time for such carefully to review the first principles of 
discipleship ; and in earnest to implore the instruction and 
direction of God. In eternity they may learn that this is the 
very foundation of true submission to God. 

If such is the principle of consecration, what then is the 
responsibility resting upon Christ's disciples in this assembly ? 
Is it not the duty of some to enter personally into the foreign 
service? I see before me many young men, who are ministers of 
Christ, many who are candidates for that sacred office. To you, 
dear brethren, do we most solemnly direct our appeal this even- 
ing. It is to be the business of your lives to unfold to others this 
principle of consecration, to urge them to unlimited fidelity to 
the Master. Can you consistently or successfully do this unless 
conscious that you are disposed to practice accordingly ? You 
are not ignorant of what Christ requires, nor of the perishing 
condition of millions of your fellow men. Nor are you unaware 
of the fact already stated, that in New England and in many of 
the older States, ministers of the gospel are multiplied, until their 
usefulness is often seriously impaired. Why then spend your 
life in doing a work which would be equally well, and perhaps 
better, performed without you? Why, especially, do this, when 
millions of men are left annually to perish in their sins, without 
the knowledge of that salvation which it is your business to 
preach? Are you sure that it is alone to glorify God, and that 
you are where you can do the most good ? Have you a comfor- 
table evidence that the Saviour has made this your duty ? Will 
that evidence bear agitation ? Has he never seriously impressed 
you with the contrary ? and what have you done with those im- 
pressions ? Do you here urge your love of the refined and liter- 
ary, your worldly relations and prospects, the great sacrifices re- 
quired, and particularly your want of qualifications? What 
missionary, whom you would recommend to this work, must not 
experience the same or similar difficulties ? Tell us, dear breth- 
ren, can it be possible, that he who upon earth had not where to 
lay his head, and who in the Garden and on Calvary drank to 
the very dregs that most bitter cup, in order to provide salvation 
for sinners, really approves your unanimous resolution to remain 



I46 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

at home, while a world is perishing in your hearing ? Has he 
appointed only here and there a solitary one to preach his salva- 
tion to perishing millions ; and has he made it the duty of the 
mass of his ministers to remain with the few, where they are 
more comfortable but less needed ? Did he die for America only, 
or was it for the world ? O ye disciples of this crucified One, to 
whose gospel you are indebted for all that you are, and for all 
that you anticipate, arise, and look out upon this wide scene of 
desolation. With your own views of Scripture truth, enter with 
these millions of heathen the eternal world; stand with them 
before the judgment seat; and hear and see for yourselves the 
result of this neglect ; then say, can you turn your backs upon 
such fields, and with a quiet conscience remain at home, where 
you are of comparatively little service? We solemnly urge 
upon your consideration the fact that such multitudes are so 
entering eternity every year ; and that it is in your power to 
guide many of them to the cross and to eternal life. 

But the great body of the members of the churches may not 
go to the heathen ; nor is it needed, if they will sacredly observe 
their obligations at home. To this class belongs the largest part 
of this assembly. In connection with your labors for America, 
you are to co-operate with the Board to the extent of your 
ability, until Christ's command is fully obeyed. Your bodies 
and minds, your time and attainments, all belong to Christ ; by 
them you obtain money, which is equally his. You are his 
stewards, trading upon his capital, for the promotion of his 
interests. Your powers and time must be diligently employed, 
or you will bury his talents in a napkin ; you must live frugally, 
or he will charge you with having perverted his funds for your 
own indulgence ; the remainder you must consecrate to his 
cause so long as it is needed, or he will eventually condemn you 
for having lived unto yourselves, and not unto him. 

Is it inquired, how far you should practically apply this 
principle ? We think, dear brethren, you are best able to give 
the answer. How far do you expect the missionary practically to 
apply it ? There may be at times peculiar circumstances to 
modify the form of his sacrifices, and so far they must differ 



PRE PA RA TIONS FOR DEPAR PURE. I 4 7 

from your own. But generally, you and he are alike the 
servants of Christ, and subject to the same rules. You can 
have no more right to live to yourselves and to your families, 
than he has to live to himself and to his family ; that is, neither 
has any such right. Why should not the American pastor, the 
lawyer, and the physician ; why should not the merchant, the 
mechanic, and the farmer, live as entirely for Christ, and as sa- 
credly obey his commands, as the missionary ? Why should 
not the sisters of the church here be as self-denying and as faithful 
to this cause, as their sisters in foreign lands ? Did they not 
alike come to the cross for salvation ? Were they not all 
pardoned upon the same consideration ? Is it not one vineyard, 
into which they were all received as laborers ? And are they 
not all to act upon one principle ? Of whom is it said, " Ye are 
not your own, ye are bought with a price" ? — of the missionary, 
or of all Christians ? Is it not emphatically said, " No man 
liveth unto himself" f Weigh, my dear brethren and sisters, the 
reasons why it is our duty to enter upon this work. Do not the 
same reasons press your entire consecration to this cause ? Is 
there no language to you, in the dreadful condition of so many 
perishing ones ? Are you not a part of those disciples to whom 
the Saviour commands, "Go ye into all the world, and preach 
the gospel to every creature " ? Again prayerfully ponder the 
instruction of the Holy Spirit in Romans x. 1 1 — 1 5 ; and remem- 
ber, that upon the amount of your co-operation will depend, 
under God, the number of those who personally enter this field 
of labor, and the efficiency of their efforts. The fact that the 
missionary is thus dependent upon your aid removes every doubt 
respecting the extent Of your obligation compared with his. 
Again, the Board has informed us how we might best aid this 
work; and have not you, too, heard its appeal? Again and 
again they have told us of the unoccupied fields, upon some of 
which the first kindly influence is to be exerted; while upon 
others the gospel has operated until they are ripe for the harvest. 
If these considerations might justly move our decision, when 
surrounded with the rich enjoyments of this Christian land, 
ought they not also deeply to affect you? The position, dea r 

13* 



I48 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

brethren, which you occupy is most fearfully solemn. The 
world is perishing in your hearing, and Christ requires you to 
spare no labor or expense for its rescue. You stand in the very 
passage-way to the heathen, through which the missionary can 
pass only by your aid. If you prove false to your trust, you will 
block up that way, unless God in mercy to a fallen world removes 
you ; very few will pass it ; the heathen will continue to perish in 
their sins; and you, — who can portray your feelings, when with 
them you stand at Christ's judgment-seat to answer for the buried 
or the wasted talents of your Lord ? 

We know of but one way to evade these considerations. 
Young ministers do so respecting their personal service ; because 
there is no more money to support additional fields and laborers. 
Others do so respecting funds, because men are not waiting to be 
sent forth, who are kept back only by an exhausted treasury. 
But neither of these pretend that Christ's command is obeyed or 
that the work is done. They plead the unfaithfulness of each 
other, in order to excuse their own continued neglect of duty. 
However much this course may now evade the appeals of 
their brethren and silence their own consciences, it will not obey 
Christ nor save the world. It will not suppress the wailing of 
damned spirits for eternity ; nor cause the arches of heaven to 
reverberate with the songs of millions saved through their instru- 
mentality. Brethren, believe us, or rather believe the whole 
tenor of God's word, — this may answer for a time ; but it will 
not suffice when he who died for sinners, and who gave his com- 
mission to the Church, " maketh inquisition for blood." It will 
be no trifling matter then to find the blood of souls upon their 
garments ; to hear the unutterable, eternal anguish of the hea- 
then charged to their neglect. 

Allow us to suggest a remedy for even this evasion. Let the 
Board select any and every man whom they think best fitted for 
this work ; and let them solemnly appeal to him, if he is willing 
to go on two conditions ; first, that those who are best qualified 
to judge, shall deem him fitted for the sphere; and second, that 
the Board are able to send him forth, with a reasonable prospect, 
under the influence of Christian faith, afterwards to support him. 



PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE. I 49 

Let them thus leave this responsibility at the door of each man's 
heart, to decide the matter for himself, as he hopes in peace to 
meet his Master at the last day. Let them then record every 
man's name who consents to go, and make this record known to 
the- churches, that their members may understand, not only the 
wants of the world, but that men are waiting to enter upon the 
service, who are prevented by want of means only. In like 
manner let them appeal to the churches for funds. Every one 
knows, that in that treasury of God's there is enough and to 
spare, if its resources were drawn and applied to the right pur- 
pose. Long, long before the disciples become as their Lord, and 
have not where to lay their heads, will this, his treasury, afford 
ample means. I know not how we might dare to ask him for 
more, until at least the capital now lying dead in the hands of 
his stewards is applied to the work. Let, then, the Board, with- 
out reference to the number of men at present waiting for this 
service, apply in person to the rich for their abundance, and to 
know how far they may be relied upon, if foreign laborers can 
be found; let them also encourage the poor to forward their 
several mites, so that the means of greatly enlarged operations 
may be supplied ; and let the state of the treasury be made 
known to our young men. Let the men and means no longer 
wait for one another, and mutually encourage neglect of duty. 

Thus let the ministry say, — "We wish to remove this re- 
proach, that man cannot be found to do Christ's work, even 
among those purchased by his blood. We- are waiting to be 
sent." On the other hand let the body of the Church say to their 
young ministers, and to their young members yet engaged in 
worldly avocations : — "In the opinion of our brethren, we are 
necessarily prevented from going to a foreign land, but we are 
Christ's ; and if you will go, we here will live as sacredly for 
him as you do there ; and will give you the means to work to the 
best advantage, if it takes all we have, and all we can honorably 
obtain." 

We believe this would remove that last common evasion. For 
as "face answers to face in water, so the heart of man to man." 
Besides, great confidence may be reposed in the spirit of Christ 



150 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

in his disciples, when it is fairly tested. We cannot believe, if 
there were sufficient funds, that there would be any want of men ; 
or if men enough stood ready for the work, that there would 
long remain any want of funds. Yet, we are now as truly 
responsible for this neglect, as we should then be; and the 
consequences to millions of souls are as deplorable for time 
and for eternity. 

Pardon us, dear brethren, the freedom of these remarks. I 
speak for myself; and in most respects, I think I may safely 
say, I speak for my brethren also. If we had not most deeply 
felt the sentiments here presented, you had not seen us here to- 
night, about to go forth as your messengers to the heathen. We 
have, probably, passed our last Lord's Day in the land of our 
fathers, and in this city of most tender recollections. A day or 
two more, and we shall see your faces no more upon earth. We 
go down into an exceedingly deep well, — and very solemn 
thoughts possess us, as we wait a moment at its mouth. Dear 
brethren, will you hold the rope ? Will you give us while there 
the facilities to work to advantage? We can not doubt it, — and 
the God of all blessings will bless you in so doing. 

But we shall meet again. Until then, let us labor faithfully, 
knowing: that there remaineth for us a rest in heaven. 



CHAPTER X. 

VOYAGE TO MAULMAIN. 

1843— f 844. 

THE ship was expected to sail immediately after 
these services, but was detained till November 17th. 
In consequence of this delay, Dr. Pattison, the Home 
Secretary, was obliged, in order to meet an engagement 
in Philadelphia, to leave before they sailed. This was a 
sore trial to the parties concerned. Dr. Pattison had 
not only ever been a very dear brother to Mrs. Binney, but 
had also sustained an almost paternal and even maternal 
relation to her. When first coming up into womanhood, 
and in such delicate health that physicians and friends 
thought her an invalid for her probably brief life, she 
left the paternal roof, for the first time, to live with this 
brother, who had just been settled as pastor over the 
First Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island. A 
change from the region of the lakes to the vicinity 
of the sea, it was hoped would be beneficial to her 
health. And so it proved to be ; but it brought, also, 
home-sickness, yearning for the precious mother's ten- 
der care, and for the dear father, the only sister and 
other brothers as well ; and this brother was her guide 
and support, striving to take the place of all she had 
left. More than all these, his preaching met her pecu- 

151 



152 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

liar need, and he became her spiritual father, and she the 
first-fruit of his ministry. He had buried her in baptism, 
given her the hand of fellowship, welcoming her to the 
duties as well as to the privileges of the church of Christ. 
He had assisted her in her efforts for mental, as well as 
spiritual improvement ; he had married her and taken her 
husband into his loving heart, so that they were to each 
other all that an elder and younger brother and sister 
could be; and now they were apparently to be separated 
forever, so far as this life was concerned. 

There was not then the most distant thought of a 
missionary's return to his native land. Two or three 
had done so, but the circumstances were very peculiar, 
and the thing was not approved of in " high places." 
Could there have been a ray of hope of their ever meet- 
ing again, how different the parting. As it was, it ap- 
peared to be simply a living burial. But the carriage 
which was to convey him to the railway station was at 
the door, and the farewells must not linger. Dr. Patti- 
son bore them bravely, but his sister's heart was almost 
broken. For a moment she thought, if he loved her as 
she loved him, he could not have left her thus. Mr. 
Binney withdrew at once to his chamber, but she did 
not follow. No one should witness her agony. In a 
moment the parlor door was opened, and the loved 
brother, with tears streaming down his face, entered to 
hide himself from observation. Instantly they were 
clasped in each other's arms, and tears and sobs were 
mingled. There was no need of explanations ; none 
were made. She was the first to speak. " Go, now, my 
precious brother ; we shall meet again, where there will 






VOYAGE TO MAUL MA IN. 



153 



be no more scenes like this." The bitterness of this 
living death was passed. Nothing more trying could 
follow. Her sainted mother's happiness could not be 
lessened. The dear father — the tender-loving father — 
had so long " walked with God," that a translation to 
the bright world above any day would not have been 
matter of surprise. He rejoiced that God had counted 
him worthy to give a daughter so dear and a son whom 
he had taken to his heart of hearts, to the mission cause. 
The pastoral work was a great, a solemn work, which 
angels might tremble to assume, were they commis- 
sioned to do so ; but somehow this work seemed more 
like the Master's, who gave himself for sinners. It 
brought us very near to Jesus. It was thus he dis- 
coursed ; and his prayers brought Jesus very near to all 
who were with him in those days. 

Then there was Mr. Binney's own dear father, who 
had been brought into the kingdom late in life and who 
" could not see the necessity of seeking a more extended 
field of usefulness, or of going further from home than 
Georgia." He had been called to pass through sore 
trials ; again had met with pecuniary losses, and his 
son was his stay, his support. How could he spare him ? 
Surely not till ample provision had been made for his 
future comfort. All of his son's careful savings were 
invested for his use and that of a widowed sister, who 
was to live with him and care for his comfort. Mr. 
Binney did not deem that, though called to leave all 
the endeared relations of this life, his filial obligations 
were cancelled. If filial love had not been so great, the 
example of the dying Lord would have forbidden it. 



154 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

But soon the farewells — final farewells to many and sup- 
posed to be such to all — were said, and they set sail. 

Fortunately, Mr. Binney's journal of the voyage 'has 
escaped the fate which most of his journals have met. 
Extracts from this will be given, sufficient to show the 
character of this five months voyage, in an ordinary 
sailing vessel, designed for merchandise and not for pas- 
sengers; and also to show his character, brought out 
by trying circumstances. 

Charlestown, November 17th, 1843. 
To-day public service was held on board ship ; prayer by Rev. 
William Hague, of Boston, after which came the long-dreaded 
event, bidding the last adieu to those we love. Truly, none but 
those who have experienced it can tell its bitterness. May God, 
for his Son's sake, permit us all to meet in joy at his right hand. 
After fruitless efforts to shove off into the stream, the ship was 
secured for the night, but one wharf from that from which we 
started ; and Mrs. Binney and self gladly accepted the kind invi- 
tation of Dr. White to leave our cold, damp cabin and spend the 
night with his family in this town. 

1 8th — This morning a fair wind, though very rainy. About 
half-past nine o'clock we left the wharf for the stream, where we 
anchored until eleven o'clock, waiting for our supercargo. On 
his coming on board, the ship got under way, with a fine wind. 
The last friend I saw was my dear brother Joshua, who came off 
to us in a boat just as we set sail. Very dear brother, farewell ! 
May every temporal blessing be yours, and above all a saving 
interest in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Our company consists of Rev. Edwin B. Bullard, wife and 
child, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Ranney, and Miss Julia A. La- 
throp, with Mrs. Binney and self, of the Baptist Denomination ; 
Rev .Mr. Dow and wife, of the Free Will Baptist Denomination ; 
and Rev. Mr. Gunn and wife, of the Lutheran Church ; super- 
cargo, two clerks, Captain Henderson, mate, second mate, steward, 



VOYAGE TO MAUL MAIM. 155 

colored boy and cook, eight seamen, and four boys before the 
mast ; in all thirty-three souls on board. A precious cargo, in- 
deed ! God of the winds and waves, wilt thou take charge of 
our ship, and bid us safely, speedily, and happily to our desired 
port. To thee we commit ourselves and our all ; in thee alone 
we confide. 

19th — All the passengers but myself sick ; still a fine wind 
and all goes well, except the ship is too much "by the head." 
Commenced to-day to read the Old Testament in course in Eng- 
lish, also the New Testament in course in Greek. Precious Lord's 
Day: 

It may be as well here to say, that the manner of 
spending his time at sea was fully reported in a letter to 
Dr. Peck — near the close of this passage — which is given 
entire ; his health was good; his freedom for five months 
from all responsibility was delightful ; and he revelled 
in hard study, not from compulsion or a mere sense of 
duty — but from choice. His unvarying cheerfulness 
and satisfaction were a subject of frequent remark. 

22d and 23d — The ship encountered very severe storms, 
nearly every passenger sick. Thanks to my Heavenly Father, I 
suffer nothing in that respect, and my dear wife suffers less than 
I expected. . . Never before have I witnessed such tokens of 
God's power. A few weeks ago I looked on the Falls of Niag- 
ara and called the scene sublime ; but to-day, in comparison, I 
call them beautiful, and this mighty tossing and heaving of waters 
I call sublime. * * * To the extent of our sight the waters are 
' lashed into fury, and their spray driven away like the light snow 
before the driving wind. Our frail bark, as though proud of the 
opportunity to display her sea-worthy qualities, scuds before the 
wind in safety, now plunging into the waters, then mounting the 
waves in triumph. Surely he that hath said to this mighty sea, 
" Hitherto shalt thou come and no further, and here shall thy 



I 5 6 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMA H. 

proud waves be stayed," can put his hand beneath us all the 
voyage through, and make the winds and waves bear us safely 
to our destined port. God of wonders, I thank thee that I have 
seen this display of thy majesty and power. Sanctify it to my 
growth in grace, and to my usefulness. In the evening, the tu- 
mult so far subsided as to make it possible for several to be on 
deck. It was truly delightful to see so many of our company, 
and to hear so many voices join to " Praise God from whom all 
blessings flow." 

25th — Awoke to find a calm, the ship making about two miles 
an hour. About ten o'clock, A. m., the whole ship's company 
were put into the greatest consternation by the cry, "A rope ! a 
rope! somebody overboard ! " All ran — I looked about and in- 
quired "Who ?" but, receiving no answer and not seeing my wife, 
rushed to the side of the ship, and what a sight ! A boy had 
fallen overboard, and two noble fellows had jumped to the res- 
cue ; they had caught the rope thrown to them, but with the boy 
found it impossible to get on board. The mate, fine fellow, 
dropped himself down to their help. At the time I first saw 
them, all four were in the water, dipping down several feet every 
time the ship rocked ; the boy seemed almost exhausted, and his 
hand kept slipping from the rope. We feared all four might be 
lost, but after hard work they lifted the boy on deck, and then 
the rest. After all were safe, I wiped away a few tears that I 
found stealing down my cheek, and thanked my Heavenly 
Father that he had not so soon broken our little number by 
death ; that he had spared the boy's parents the dreadful event ; 
and prayed for the choicest blessings upon the noble fellows who 
had rushed to the rescue at the risk of their own lives. 

To me the shock was dreadful ; all the day my nerves remind 
me of this morning's event ; and from what I see about me I 
judge I am not alone. Sick and well — all are on deck. 

26th — "This is the day the Lord hath made," and a delightful 
day it has been to my soul. According to arrangement, Divine 
Service was held in the cabin, being too squally to have it on 
deck. For the same reason, but few of the sailors were present, 
their services being required about the ship. The captain, mate, 



VO YA GE TO MA ULMAIN. I 5 7 

three boys, and ten passengers were present. I preached from 
•' Be ye also ready," and tried to improve the event of yesterday 
morning, both for the good of those who are not Christians, and 
those of us who are Christ's. May God make it a blessing. Have 
had much comfort to-day in contemplating Ps. 68: 20, and Ps. 
63 : 70. Towards night, as I looked upon the heavens above me, 
and the waters around me, I was carried, back to the dear ones 
left behind ; father, sisters, brothers. The tears would come, 
though I felt quite happy. It was an exceedingly tender reflec- 
tion — " I shall see their faces no more on earth." Thanks to our 
precious Saviour, I have a well-grounded hope that I shall meet 
them all in heaven. 

This evening I calculated my time and tried to worship with 
my dear Savannah church. Precious privilege to meet in spirit 
at the throne of grace ! Retired at about ten o'clock, grateful 
to God for the comforts of this delightful Lord's Day and 
for the great happiness I feel and have felt so far during this 
passage. 

Every day's latitude and longitude, with remarks 
about the weather, are given in this journal, with 
sketches or drawings of all the different birds and 
fishes, and every little island, so that the diary is quite 
a " picture-book." Rather copious extracts are given 
at first, as they show how the missionaries, collectively 
as well as individually, spent their time on board ship, 
for five months shut up together. 

27th — The evening quite dark and wet; from nine to ten 
squally, when the rain began to pour in torrents ; and it was so 
dark that nothing could be seen a foot from us, except by the 
flashes of lightning. I resolved to witness all, and with water- 
proof cap and overcoat on, remained on deck until the storm 
had abated. I was rewarded by the sight of what seamen call 
the "corposant," a brilliant light like the brightest star of the 
first magnitude. I saw one at the mizzen-mast-head, and another 



I 53 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

on the foremast yard arm. Verily, "They that go down to the 
sea in ships, that do business in great waters, see the works of 
the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." 

28th — This evening at tea all but one of the company, Mrs. 
Gunn, were able to be at the table, after which the brethren and 
sisters met and adopted the following plan of duty on board, 
viz., Sunday morning, the ministers to preach once each Sunday 
in alphabetical order; Sunday, p. m., a Bible class, to study the 
book of Romans, of which I am asked to take the lead. On 
Tuesday at 3^, p. m., a social conference and prayer-meeting, 
to be led by each in alphabetical order. The Monthly Concert, 
to be held the first Monday evening of each month, and family 
worship each night in the cabin directly after tea ; these are to be 
led as the prayer-meeting. The hours from ten to twelve, A. M., 
may be devoted to study, during which time there is to be no in- 
terruption by talking, singing, etc. 

So the daily journal goes on ; every day something 
of interest recorded, besides the " daily observations," — 
the head-winds and the calms and all the varied inci- 
dents, hardly noticed anywhere but at sea in a sailing 
vessel, whose progress is so sensitive to any change. 
One day is Thanksgiving Day at home. " Home ! that 
precious word ! What a thrill has the writing of it 
caused ! That home never to be revisited. But, we, too, 
have abundant cause for thankfulness for God's great 
goodness to us thus far. We should be very thankful." 
Another day : " Finished the reading of the ' Days of 
Queen Mary.' I pray, if consistent with the divine will, 
to be spared the tests of Queen Mary's day ; but should 
I ever be so tried, and I may, may divine grace be suffi- 
cient for me. . . . O thou Lamb of God, be thou 
my sacrifice, and as my day is, so may my strength 
be. Make me an every-day Christian, that I by thy 



VOYAGE TO MA UL MA IN I 5 9 

grace may be prepared for every extra demand upon 
my fidelity to thee." 

Every Lord's Day with its appointments is noticed ; 
the preacher and the sermon named, but never with 
criticism, only with desires for their usefulness to their 
hearers. 

December 1st, 1844 — This is my birthday, thirty-six years of age. 
A large part of my life is actually gone ; soon it will all have 
passed. May my remaining days be more sacredly devoted to 
the glory of God and the salvation of men ! I think I can hon- 
estly say, nothing seems to me so desirable as to live for Christ, 
and at death to enjoy his presence in heaven. 

6th — This evening finished reading the Life of Rev. Mr. 
Thomason, Missionary to India, pp. 356. A truly Christian man, 
faithful in his work. May the reading of this book be sanctified 
to my increased piety. Oh that I had more of this love, humili- 
ty, and self-consecration to the work ! More of those characteris- 
tics necessary to the happiness and usefulness of a missionary ! 
My most holy acts are so deeply sinful, that I sometimes fear 
that God may not at all accept the service I offer. But the com- 
fort is in the thought that all our works are viewed through the 
merits of his dear Son. The blood of Jesus, — precious, precious 
blood, — is all my hope; and I would rather be received for his 
sake than my own. May I but have his smiles here, and his 
presence in joy hereafter. I am satisfied to be anything, and to 
do anything, which he directs. Dear Saviour, so fill me with 
thy love, that I may be enabled to honor thee, with my body and 
spirit, which are thine!" 

It is exceedingly difficult to make extracts from the 
Journal. Every page is full of interest, and every 
faculty of his mind in full exercise ; at one time the 
imagination vivid and fresh as a school-boy's. 

All is new and fascinates. Over the bow the scene was truly 
magnificent. The ship seemed to be sailing through liquid sil- 

14* 



I60 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

ver, whose waves, foaming and dashing against her, were thrown 
to the lee-ward with such reflection of light that we could see to 
read fair-sized capital letters. 

Looking upon the scene, the wide waters appeared to be 
studded with little islands of polished mirrors, dancing upon the 
top of the deep blue ocean, and now reflecting upon us the 
rays of the sun. 

In looking over the stern of the ship this evening, the wake 
and as far as the eye could reach, seemed such a boiling and 
tumbling of liquid metals as reminds one of the lake of fire 
mentioned in Scripture ; but I have no language in which to de- 
pict the scene, much less the effect upon my own mind. Now 
beautiful beyond description, now sublime in the extreme. 

Then follow theories as to the causes of all these 
varied appearances, with the authorities, etc. He never 
failed to " study up " everything that came before him. 
His cabin was quite a curiosity, the sides being lined 
with books and maps for reference, and as easy of access 
as if in his own library. He was always a genuine lover 
of the sea ; and, though a cautious man on shore, was 
considered rather reckless here ; and some amusing in- 
cidents of having been "met more than half-way by 
seas," and faring badly in consequence, are related. 
Christmas is remembered, and the contrast drawn be- 
tween it and former days, especially the last, 

When I met so many hearty good wishes from the inmates of 
my own happy home and from the dear people of my charge, 
and when presents and good wishes came from many men, even 
of other denominations, so that I felt myself to be both blessed 
and a blessing. I seldom draw these contrasts, but when I do. 
they are not wholly painful. I have never failed to draw com- 
fort from the contemplation. Thus far, I have no doubt of the 
•propriety of the step I have taken, nor the first wish to have it 



VO YA GE TO MA ULMAIN. \ 6 1 

otherwise. Yet I did love my people most tenderly, and truly 
did I enjoy the many comforts arising from my relation to them. 
But I hope ere this some dear brother is filling my place in such 
a manner that I alone shall be the sufferer. 

Then again comes the New Year in which he finds 
himself wishing the friends everywhere, North and 
South, a Happy New Year, " and desiring to renew 
the covenant I have made with thee and thy dear Son — 
the solemn consecration I have made of all to thy ser- 
vice and thy will." In reviewing the past, and looking 
forward to the future, he says, " I often think I am the 
happiest man living, for all my days are crowned with 
his loving-kindness." 

March 4th — This morning's air is indeed refreshing, after 
spending the night in such confined, impure air. Our room is 
about thirty feet square, and seven and a half feet high, with the 
thermometer at 8o°, in the purest and best state of the atmo- 
sphere during the day. There are eleven grown persons, beside the 
colored man, who is also steward, a colored boy, and the baby, 
to breathe the air all night. Then we have the steward's pantry, 
dining table, rusty chains, tarred ropes, old sails, etc., to make it 
more impure, with but little circulation of air, even with the 
hatches open. It is not quite so bad as the Black Hole of Cal- 
cutta, but sleep under such circumstances is anything but re- 
freshing. And then, we have rats and mice, and cockroaches 
without number. Some nights since, the steward had not only 
his toe-nails, but his toes gnawed so badly, that we had to bind 
them up. Last night the rats gnawed the heel of the colored boy, 
who slept near the steward. This morning I gave public notice 
that " all them ar' passengers what has any heels or toes to be 
rat-gnawed, please bring 'em to the steward's office." However, 
there is not much fun in having one's toes or fingers gnawed by 
rats. 

March 8th — This forenoon I read an article on " Discriminat- 



I 62 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

ing Sermons," in the Christian Review for September, 1843. I 
have ever held the views there expressed, and tried to be gov- 
erned by them in my ministry ; but to-day in reviewing it all, 
and in contemplating the consequences of the opposite course, I 
was completely overwhelmed. While reading the first two para- 
graphs, on the necessity of such sermons, I could not refrain 
from bitter weeping. I pray God to spare my dear people from 
the consequences of any want of faith or of skill on my part. I 
did endeavor to do my duty in such preaching. I sometimes feared 
that I carried my views to an extreme, but the more I reflect 
upon it, the more I am convinced that it was not so. Were I to 
return to-morrow, I do not see how I would change the general 
character of my preaching for the better ; but the bare possibil- 
ity that my dear people may have suffered from the defects of my 
labors among them is truly agonizing. It is indeed a deeply 
solemn thing to be a preacher of the gospel and a pastor of a 
Christian church. 

1 2th March — My heart is still greatly oppressed on account 
of my preaching in Savannah. I have not wept so much for 
many months. Oh, what a thought ! to be an unfaithful or an 
unskillful minister ! And v/hat pangs proceed from the reflec- 
tion that my people may suffer, not only temporarily, but eter- 
nally, through my defects. It seems as though my memory re- 
calls the names of all the church ; that if any one has suffered 
by my ministry, I may entreat God to grant that one a double 
blessing in my successor. Whoever may be their pastor, may 
he have very much of God's blessing for himself and the church. 

I have heard much of these beautiful skies, but scarcely 
twelve hours pass without my exclaiming, at least mentally, " the 
half was not told me." 

The ballast was largely ice, which although never 
opened for the use of the passengers, was daily becom- 
ing less. In consequence of this, the vessel rolled badly. 
This wrings from him the complaint in his journal, 
though it was never heard from his lips : 



VO YA GE TO MA UL MAIN. I 6$ 

How delightful it would be to find some little spot where I 
could lie just for a few hours without rolling about, or sit without 
a great effort to retain the place ! My back aches without inter- 
mission, for the want of support. It is just roll, roll, pitch, pitch, 
no matter where one is or what the position. Who ever thinks, 
on land, of thanking God for the favor which we so longingly de- 
sire here — perfect rest. 

March 27th. — Our ice, almost our only ballast, fast melting 
away ; consequently vessel rolling badly, our bread, rice, peas, 
etc., full of weevils, and other insects, our water pretty good, 
better than a few weeks back, when it was ropy. 

30th. — The heat oppressive as ever, but to-day the captain took 
a studding sail and formed it into an awning over the quarter 
deck, after my planning. No one can tell what a difference it 
made in our comfort. It hardly seemed as though we could be 
in the same climate. Were I coming this voyage again, I would 
stipulate for a free circulation of air and an awning ; the latter I 
would pay for myself rather than not have it. With all our dis- 
comforts we enjoy our religious privileges, and great harmony 
and pleasure in each other. 

It certainly was wonderful that so many passengers, 
under such circumstances, enjoyed so great a degree of 
health. Yet some of them arrived in Maulmain a good 
deal enfeebled. Mr. Binney kept very well most of the 
time. 

April 5th. — About 4 P. M., anchored in Amherst Roads, about 
five miles from the town ; giving us a fine view of it and the 
lofty hills in the back ground ; two pagodas in full view, and 
what I suppose is the tree under which our beloved Mrs. Judson 
lies buried. Strange emotions arose on first beholding this land 
of heathenism ; but I cannot say that I felt any more than when 
in our native land ; though I did feel that my personal resp07isi- 
bility now lies to this deluded people. 

"April 6th. — This morning Brother S. M. Osgood from Maul- 
main came on board, and it was soon decided to take the ship 



164 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

there. At 5 o'clock, p. m., we anchored in the river opposite 
Maulmain, where we land. Let God have the thanksgiving of 
our hearts for, on the whole, so pleasant a voyage, and for our 
safe arrival. Soon we left the boat and went on shore where our 
missionary brethren awaited our arrival. I knew Brother Jud- 
son at sight. We were cordially received by all as brethren and 
fellow laborers. We are to make our home with Brother Hosea 
Howard till we can make arrangements for a home of our own. 
One thing strikes me with great force on entering this heathen 
land, viz. : the well regulated families of our missionary breth- 
ren. The children conduct themselves with the greatest pro- 
priety and refinement. Many of our ministers at home might, 
with profit to their families, take a lesson here. But the natives — 
alas ! Every thing tells me where I am ! The adults are generally 
more than half naked, and many of the children are quite so. 

7th. — This is our first Lord's Day in this land of moral and 
spiritual darkness. In the morning we attended Divine service 
at the Burmese chapel. Brother Judson conducted the services in 
Burmese. His style of preaching, though simple, is very forcible. 
Though I could not understand a word spoken, yet I entered 
heartily into its spirit. He was evidently contrasting the future 
condition of the righteous and the wicked, and I thought he must 
be discoursing upon the parable of the rich man and Laza- 
rus; and so he was, as he afterward told me. It was an 
affecting sight, to see so many of that people eagerly listening 
to the words of eternal life. About eighty persons present." 

After speaking of the kindness of Brethren Simons, 
Judson and others in offering to share their homes with 
Mr. and Mrs. Binney during the rains, he says : 

Though this was exceedingly kind I felt that I had long since 
settled the point, never to prefer a place of comfort to one of use- 
fulness. I was compelled to decline all these offers, as all took 
me away from the Karens, whose language I must learn as rap- 
idly as possible, in order to be useful among them. Resolved to 
await Brother Vinton's return from the jungle, when we may 



VO YA GE TO MA UL MAIN. I 6 5 

take some part of his small house or put up a light bamboo house 
near his place, as the brethren think best. 

12th. — To-day we have been on board the "Charles" to bid 
good bye to our dear brethren and sisters Gunn and Dow. May 
God send them, the pleasant companions of our long voyage, 
speedily to their spheres of labor; and the ship, with our captain, 
and all on board, safely to our native land, and be very gracious 
to them all, being their Saviour and their God." 

14th. — Another precious, precious Lord's Day, though our 
hearts are pained to see the heathen profane it. But they do so 
" ignorantly." This evening had a delightful communion season 
with the English Church. Seldom have I conducted the service 
with more delight to my own soul. The communicants sat so as 
to form an oblong ; about forty of them belonged to the British 
regiment stationed here, all dressed in spotless white, with their 
t^vo officers in military dress. It was very pleasant to speak to 
them, but I long so to have my tongue untied, that I may ad- 
dress these poor heathen around us respecting this great sal- 
vation." 



CHAPTER XL 

COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. 

1844. 

AS has been seen from Mr. Binney's journal, the 
good ship " Charles " arrived at Maulmain, on the 
6th of April, 1844, after a passage of 140 days from 
Boston. The want of proper ventilation, the crowded 
state of the ship, no awnings, and light ballast, all con- 
spired to make the passage anything but a pleasure 
trip ; but as no pleasure trip had been anticipated, it was 
borne with fortitude and usually with cheerfulness. 
Certainly, Mr. Binney's uniform patience and good 
spirits seemed to render others, whose opportunities of 
learning what they ought to expect had not been so 
great as his, more forbearing, but all were most thank- 
ful to be once more on land, where there was no stint 
of air, water, or space. 

Just two weeks were passed in getting a house, and in 
becoming sufficiently settled to commence the study of 
the language. In order to be near the Vintons, with 
their large Karen school, it was decided to rent a house 
at fifty rupees per month. This was then a very high 
rent ; but every other proposal took Mr. Binney away 
from the Karens, and thus from the best opportunity for 
166 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. \6j 

acquiring the language, and he thought nothing econo- 
mical that would do that. A bright, intelligent young 
man was employed as teacher, or "moonshee," as they 
are called in India. He was about as well educated as 
any Karen then in Burmah. He could read and write 
his mother tongue ; and knew a little of the first prin- 
ciples of geography and astronomy; that is to say, he 
understood that the earth was round and not flat, and 
that a new moon did not literally come into existence 
every month, but that its changes were produced by 
its various revolutions, and that the sun did not go 
round the earth every day. Also he knew that America 
was on the opposite side of the globe, and that it took 
several months to come to Burmah by water. But he 
knew a great deal about the plan of salvation. He 
believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and could repeat the 
book of Matthew "by heart," and from the heart, and 
he was a thorough believer in God's providential deal- 
ings with men, and with himself in particular. A more 
happy, cheerful Christian is not often seen ; and his say- 
ings were frequently quoted by Mr. Binney, even down 
to the last days of life. He did not know one word 
of English, nor did his pupil know one word of Karen. 
The Karen and English manuscript dictionary consisted 
of about three hundred words. There was no little 
phrase-book, or other helps, but two or three children's 
books, such as a Catechism, Todd's Lectures, and Dra- 
per's Bible Stories, and parts of the New Testament. 
Thus equipped, the language was commenced. A few 
days spent in calling over the characters, served to give 
the sound and inflections, and enabled one to read with- 
15 



I 68 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

out knowing the meanings; a few days more sufficed 
to fix them sufficiently to begin to translate. 

The portion of the Bible already published was the 
best dictionary at command, and it was in constant use 
for the purpose of learning the meaning of words. Six 
and often seven hours of close application were given to 
this study. The " jungle bird," as our teacher called him- 
self, began to droop and chafe under the confinement. 
Another man was called to his aid ; so that one or the 
other was always at hand. Whether actually studying 
with books, or walking or working, or whatever he was 
doing, Karen was the accompaniment. Mr. Binney's 
devotion to the language led some of the missionary 
brethren to be anxious, and protest against it. Dear, 
kind Brother Osgood was greatly disturbed, and finally 
told Mr. Binney that no man could work with impuni- 
ty in that way in the climate of Burmah. Yet if he in- 
sisted upon killing himself, he supposed he must be left 
to do it, but that he really should not be allowed to kill 
Mrs. Binney too. Mr. Binney urged, in self vindication, 
that he had pressed upon her the necessity of taking it 
more leisurely; that he knew she had not half his 
strength, and there was no doubt but she would acquire 
the language in due time ; that he would really be 
obliged to any brother who would aid him in convinc- 
ing her that it was better to leave him to go on by him- 
self. Mr. Osgood left her with the earnest entreaty that 
she would take care of her health, first of all, and not 
be influenced by her husband's unwise course. Dr. 
Judson had been in the habit of calling frequently in 
the evening or morning for a few moments, and Mr. 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. I 69 

Binney often walked with him, but nothing had been 
said of the manner of study. The next mid-day, how- 
ever, while the usual lessons were going on, Dr. Jud- 
son most unexpectedly dropped in, and as he did so, 
exclaimed cheerfully — 

'* Well, well, this is pleasant ; it reminds me of the 
days, when Ann and I sat together day after day with 
our moonshee, with no more facilities for acquiring the 
Burmese than you have for acquiring the Karen. Ann 
was able to talk with the people sooner than I, and I 
dare say Mrs. Binney will be talking Karen much sooner 
than you. Those were happy days when we were so 
learning the language together." 

Mrs. Binney caught at the encouragement, and said : 

" Yes, Dr. Judson, we think so too, but it seems to be 
decided that these happy days are to come to an end at 
once. My husband feels that he dare not permit them 
to go on longer. Friends are all protesting, and think 
I should follow on slowly, as I am able." 

" Yes, I understand it; if you had a very steep hill 
to climb, which Brother Binney did not find difficult, but 
which you did, he must not think of giving you his arm 
to help you up, but should say, ' My dear, this is a very 
steep hill, I fear you will not be able to reach the top in 
a long time, if ever; good bye, my dear!'" 

All joined in a hearty laugh, and nothing more was 
ever said on the subject by anxious friends, nor was 
Mrs. Binney left to clamber up the rugged hill alone. 

After seven months spent in reading, translating, and 
speaking Karen as best they could, Mr. and Mrs. Binney 
left Maulmain early in December and went to a pretty 



170 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Christian village, named after the leading man who 
established it, Ko-chet-thing's-ville. On leaving Maul- 
main they were resolved at any cost to accomplish the 
chief object for which they were going in to the Karen 
jungle, viz.: to acquire a free use of the Karen lan- 
guage. That they might be sure of doing so they 
"burned their boats," and allowed no one to accompany 
them who could speak a word of English. After they 
left Maulmain, it was no longer optional with them 
whether they would speak Karen or English, but 
whether they would speak Karen or remain silent. 
They took no servant with them, relying simply on 
such assistance as untrained Karens could give. Not 
only their cook, but even the boatmen were Karens, and 
this brought them much into all kinds of small talk. 

Though Mr. Binney kept a full journal of the first 
year of this work, yet he destroyed it all. With the 
aid of Mrs. Binney 's journal and his letters this narra- 
tive will be continued. Under date of December 8th, 
her journal says : 

We left Maulmain on the 3d inst, and this is our first Lord's 
Day in the Karen jungle. As we embarked on board the little 
boat for the new scenes of labor before us, I thought of many- 
loved ones in my dear native land, and wished it were in my 
power to give them a picture of our circumstances and appear- 
ance. Our boat, such as is generally used on these rivers, was 
large enough for our mattrasses to be spread out under the 
thatched roof; in front were three seats running across the boat 
and occupied by four boatmen and a little boy, whom we had 
brought up to learn to read. At the stern was our Karen teacher, 
who steered the boat and acted also as captain, and my Karen 
girl, who had been with me in Maulmain ; last and least our 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. I 7 1 

little dog and cat, that felt privileged to snuggle down together at 
the foot of our bed. Both being, like ourselves, strangers to this 
mode of travelling, were afraid of every thing and every body, 
except of us and each other. As another family had taken pos- 
session of our house, we resolved that the pets should share the 
comforts and discomforts of our jungle home with us. Our fur- 
niture, which the poor Karens thought really luxurious, consisted 
of a trunk, a box or two, a light covered basket, a small box 
filled up after the manner of soldiers' marching boxes, with two 
cups and saucers, a couple of knives and forks and spoons, and 
a few plates, with some little necessaries for the table, all so 
packed as to bear rough handling; a small rocking-chair and 
table were tied on top of the boat. 

We left at dark, very tired with a hard day's work, and were 
not sorry to sleep till ten o'clock, lulled by the motion of the 
boat and the singing of the boatmen. At this time, the tide hav- 
ing turned against us, we tied up until it should again be in our 
favor. At the first dawn of day the Karens were up, and we 
were on our way till about 8 A. M., when we stopped to cook on 
shore. By means of flints, similar to the tinder-boxes used when 
I was a child, the Karens soon kindled a fire and cooked both 
for us and themselves. They are so used to this way of cooking 
out of doors, wheresoever they can find dry fuel, that they do it 
very quickly. We had a nice cup of coffee, which I prepared 
myself; a cold roast duck and hot rice, and relished our break- 
fast very much. I should have added, we spread a table-cloth 
on the dry ground and, seated on low stones, were very comfort- 
able. After breakfast we proceeded without further interruption 
till 3 P. M., when we again stopped to cook. Our Karens were 
very happy, especially the girl and teacher, who had been 
with us in Maulmain. Having been thus separated from their 
homes and friends for seven months, they were now returning 
to them. Having slept one more night on the boat, we reached 
early in the day this village which the Karens-call Ko-do-ko but 
the English call Chet-thing's-ville. It is beautifully situated on 
the east shore of the Salwen. The opposite side of the river is 
sheltered by high hills or ledges of slate, so that it presents a 

15* 



I72 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

very picturesque appearance ; and the reflection that this is a 
Christian village, that these rocks and hills have echoed the 
name and praises of Jesus, that here the Redeemer has seen the 
reward of his sufferings in the redemption of many souls, makes 
it very interesting to all who love him. It cannot but be an 
attractive spot to us, the scene of our first real beginning of mis- 
sion work among this rude and ignorant people. Here we hope 
to spend four or five months, our chief business being the acqui- 
sition of the language, but meaning at the same time to use it as 
fast as we can in instructing and warning those about us. 

When we reached the village the Karens greeted us 
in large numbers; but seeing our inability to say much 
to them, did not hesitate to express their great disap- 
pointment that Teacher Vinton had not come instead. 
The teacher could not preach and the Mamma could not 
teach the women and children. This was rather a 
damper on our spirits, but we told them we had come 
among them chiefly to learn their language, and looked 
to all to help us ; that we had only been in the country 
seven months and could read and write very well, but 
now were hoping to speak very soon. They seemed 
comforted and expressed great surprise at the acquire- 
ments which we had already made. Mrs. Binney got a 
little school started and, with the help of the children 
and domestics, was soon speaking quite fluently. Mr. 
Binney who had less necessity for speaking often looked 
on and listened in amazement, and was obliged to admit 
that Dr. Judson had prophesied truly. It was his turn 
now to need help, and he was often obliged to call on 
his wife to act as interpreter. Feeling that he could not 
speak so readily, he seemed unwilling to try even as 
much as before leaving Maulmain. 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. \ 73 

This disinclination or inability to converse with them 
seemed to trouble the Karens. Some of the leading 
men took the "Mamma" one side and asked : 

" Why does not the Teacher talk as well as the 
Mamma? Is he not going to preach to us and the heathen 
around us ?" 

The moonshee gave a little comfort, assuring them 
the Teacher did talk to him when alone. 

They replied, " Yes, but the Mamma speaks with 
every one." 

Evidently, they were anxious. Every evening the 
whole village came together for worship. Mr. Binney 
soon began to take a seat with the pastor, read a chapter, 
give out the hymns, and lead them in singing ; then the 
pastor would pray, make some remarks on the chapter, 
read, and close the service. He would sometimes say, 
1 will not the Teacher pray ? " but he always declined. 

One day he seemed very quiet and thoughtful, but 
continued reading, translating, and discussing matters 
with his moonshee as usual. Mrs. Binney was busy 
with her school and talking with the people ; but she 
was not quite light-hearted. She was beginning to 
sympathize with the Karens in their anxiety that the 
teacher should at least make a beginning in talking with 
the people; but she did not express this solicitude. She 
had assured the Karens, that he had always done what 
he undertook to do, and that she was not troubled ; but 
in the course of the day she had felt obliged to go over 
the whole thing, again and again, in her own mind. " He 
certainly was very desirous to acquire the language, and 
was working very hard, but he was not making use of 



I 74 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

what he learned. Dr. Judson had told him that he 
would not be able to preach much before he had been 
in the country about two years. Was he making that 
his aim, and, therefore, not attempting now ? This was 
only the eighth month, it was true. It was not yet time 
to speak fluently, but he could ask for a drink of water, 
or inquire of a mother after the improvement of her sick 
child." These thoughts annoyed her. Still she trusted 
him. She was sure he would come out all right in some 
way ; but her trust was something like that which many 
Christians exercise : they trust the Lord, yet carry the 
burden still. 

Evening came ; Prahai, the pastor, and the Teacher 
went into the desk together. Mr. Binney gave out a 
hymn, joined earnestly in the singing to the close, and 
said "let us pray." And he did pray, and that with a 
freedom and earnestness which carried every one with 
him. When he asked the Lord to help him to speak to 
this people of the wonderful love of Jesus to sinful men, 
there seemed to be an implication that he meant to 
try to tell them of it ; but as that would be quite im- 
possible, it appeared probable that he had not used the 
language quite correctly, and was only praying for the 
pastor. However, after the prayer, he read a part of a 
chapter from one of the Gospels and, as he read, ex- 
plained in a simple and earnest way the word of Jesus. 
Mrs. Binney-became alarmed. She was sure he could not 
proceed far without breaking down. He never could 
commit a sermon in his own tongue to memory ; he cer- 
tainly could not go far in Karen. He must be reciting, 
and would have to stop soon. As her seat was in the door- 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. I 75 

way, she slipped out of the chapel, but she could hear 
in her own room all the same. She rushed out to the 
cook-house to get away from the sound of the impend- 
ing crash. Several Karen women came running after 
her, asking eagerly, " Is the Mamma ill ? Does she want 
hot water? What can we do for her?" She was brought 
to her senses ; she informed them she would wait for the 
water till after sermon, when the cook would attend to 
it. All went back quietly, the preacher was not dis- 
turbed, but still went on talking and seemed likely to 
continue to do so for a long time. However, just as he 
closed the clock struck, and revealed the fact that the 
entire service had occupied about forty minutes. 

The Karens gathered about him. They were so glad ; 
they understood all that he had said. He could preach, 
and now they would bring in the heathen around to 
hear him. There was a good deal of excitement. The 
Mamma busied herself in making tea, and found other 
topics of conversation; and he had preached several 
times before he knew of the comic, well-nigh tragic, 
effect of his first sermon upon her. 

There was no farther difficulty. The ice was now 
fairly broken ; and, if practice would make perfect, he 
was on the high way to perfection. The Christians be- 
gan to bring their heathen friends and neighbors to him, 
and he went out into the near villages, laboring with the 
help of his teacher and others, for the conversion of souls. 

An extract from a letter from Mr. Binney to the 
Foreign Secretary, Solomon Peck, D. D., will show 
his first impressions of the people in their jungle homes 
and his efforts for them during that season. 



176 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

You will, perhaps, ask, "What were your first impressions on 
seeing the Karens in their own homes ?" I was painfully im- 
pressed with the great work yet to be done for them. I thought, 
" If this is their condition after all the effort that has been made 
in their behalf in this Christian village, what must they have been 
in their heathen state?" I could hardly think it a fair specimen, 
and considered that they must have retrograded since the mis- 
sionary had been here. But soon strangers came in from other 
places, persons who were not disciples, and who had not been 
influenced by the missionary labors, and I then saw how much 
had been done for the Karens by the gospel. The contrast was 
very great — so great that I could immediately distinguish a dis- 
ciple from one who was not. On seeing what has been done, we 
feel encouraged to hope that the work, though difficult, will con- 
tinue to make progress. I do not think the Karens so docile as 
many at home believe. I should regret to find them, as I had 
feared, ready to be shifted about in any direction, by the nod of 
a superior. They are, it is true, generally influenced by a good 
reason, but they must first see that reason. It is best that they 
should seek a good reason, and that we should be prepared to 
give it, before we expect them to act. 

Mrs. Binney finds her little school of twenty or more Karen 
children very interesting, and not difficult to govern. She has a 
woman to assist her, so that she is not confined to the school- 
room altogether. Our religious services are, on the Lord's Day 
morning, a meeting of the children, a kind of inquiry meeting, to 
ascertain their character and conduct during the week from their 
own testimony, and to give them such instruction as circum- 
stances require. This Mrs. Binney is able to conduct, with the 
assistance of a very intelligent and pious young woman. At 9 
A. M., we have preaching; at 12 m., Sunday-school; at 2 p. m., a 
general prayer-meeting; at sun-down, the people meet again, 
when they sing, pray, read a portion of the Scripture, accom- 
panied with some few comments or a short discourse. This last 
meeting they have every evening at early candle light. Brother 
Vinton commenced this course, and it seems adapted to their 
present state. My class of men, old and young, in the Sunday- 
school, I find deeply interesting. I enjoy it. 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. \ J J 

The preaching I do not enjoy as yet, as my attention is greatly 
engrossed by the use of a new language, and the fear that I may 
not be rightly understood. I hesitated much to commence 
preaching so soon, knowing that what I had learned of the lan- 
guage, especially before coming here, had been chiefly obtained 
from books, and I had only been about eight months in the coun- 
try. But there were subjects which I wished brought before the 
people, and I feared the assistants would either say too much or 
not enough, so I broke through the difficulties and talked to them 
about twenty-five minutes. The people understood me better 
than I feared, so that I have been encouraged to go on preaching 
and talking. We already feel that we are doing the people a lit- 
tle good. 

Last Lord's Day evening I talked to them from John 5 : 39, 
and after pointing out the reference of the text to the Old Testa- 
ment, and its application to men of those times, I urged upon 
them the peculiar reason why they should read diligently the 
New Testament, — the Old Testament not yet being translated. I 
told them that their not being able to read was no excuse ; that, 
though already old, if they loved God and wished to know his 
will, they would learn to read. Yesterday morning, early, the 
Chief of the village came to Mrs. Binney, and told her he wished 
for a spelling-book, for he must learn to read the Bible. Until 
within a few years he had lived among the Pwo Karens ; since 
he had been with the Sgaus he had made one effort to learn to 
read, but it took so much time from business, he thought he could 
not afford it; but now he was resolved to read God's word for 
himself. He is now hard at work with the children in the 
school." 

Another very interesting case of an old man from a 
neighboring village, who never heard the gospel before, 
is mentioned. 

I cannot tell you the feelings with which I labored to point 
this anxious inquirer to the way of life. It is the first time that 
such a responsibility has rested upon me, where there was such a 



178 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

state of mind, in this new language. Most sincerely do I pray 
that he may not cast from him these serious impressions ; but he 
goes back to his heathen home, to be surrounded by sin and 
darkness. God can do his own work, even without instruments. 
I mention these cases, not because they are singular in general, 
either here or at home, but because they are peculiarly interest- 
ing to us, under our peculiar circumstances. 

We shall return to Maulmain at the close of the dry season, 
and I have no doubt I shall have as many students as I shall be 
able to teach for the first year. Should you send a man to help 
Brother Vinton, as is really needed, allow me to suggest that he 
be a man to preach, not to make books. 

Before deciding on a permanent location for the The- 
ological Seminary, Mr. Binney wrote to Brethren Ma- 
son and Abbott very freely, asking their opinions of the 
desirableness of locating the Institution at either Tavoy 
or Sandoway, or at any place nearer their fields of labor. 
All the correspondence, which is very interesting, is at 
hand, but an extract from the same letter, quoted above, 
will give the gist of it. 

In my last letter, I mentioned that I had received no answer 
from Brother Abbott respecting our location. Since that time I 
have received a letter from him, dated October 1st, 1844, in which 
he expressed a very hearty interest in the establishment of such 
an institution, and pledges his full cooperation. Respecting the 
location, referring to my questions, he says, " You ask, ' Do you 
think Sandoway should be the place ? ' No, I do not. ' What are 
the considerations?' Climate and locality." Again he says, "My 
opinion is that the Institution should be located at Maulmain, 
and it seems to me there can be but one opinion in the Karen 
Mission. I should decidedly oppose its being further from San- 
doway. It would be very agreeable to me to have another mis- 
sion family here, and I could call lots of students, and things 
would go on swimmingly for awhile ; but that would only be the 



COMMENCE ME XT OF MI SSI OX WORK, 



i/9 



beginning of the end. No. Although Tavoy would be a good 
place, yet the interests of the Karen Mission require that it be 
located at Maulmain, and the interests of the Karen Mission are 
ours." 

The whole letter of Mr. Abbott is worthy of a missionary ; 
manifesting the kindest feeling, and affording valuable sug- 
gestions. 

Mr. Mason says, as I mentioned in a former letter, that " if a 
general Institution be established, Maulmain is the place." I 
hope to see Brother Mason in a few weeks, when we can con- 
verse more freely on the subject. My own feelings are now, as 
when I saw you last. I have come here to work for the cause. 
If my brethren prefer another place, I have no objection. I will 
go cheerfully to any place they may decide on as best adapted 
to secure the object. Respecting the question of a general or a 
local Institution, the more I know of the state of the Mission, the 
more fully I am persuaded that circumstances require the best 
possible division of labor; that there is too much work to be 
done, and, after our best efforts, too much work will be left un- 
done, to allow any two men to do what one man can do as well 
alone. Still, you will not infer that I would wish the Board to 
decide upon a general Institution against the wishes of the breth- 
ren at Tavoy. Far from it. A general Institution could not suc- 
ceed under such circumstances. For it to succeed well, it must 
have the confidence, the prayers, and the cheerful cooperation 
of all who are expected to send pupils. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Binney arrived in Maulmain, the 
headquarters of the Maulmain-Karen Mission were in 
close proximity to the Burmese Department, both being 
in the city. Mr. Vinton, then the only missionary in 
the Karen field, was very desirous to establish a Karen 
village in the suburbs of the town, thus affording an 
opportunity for Karens to carry on agricultural and 
other pursuits near by. He hoped thus gradually to 
16 



ISO TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

bring them under the influence of civilization, and also 
to make a kind of home for the schools. Another ex- 
tract from the same letter will throw further light upon 
this plan. It will be remembered this letter was writ- 
ten while still at Chetthings-ville. 

In my last letter to you, I mentioned that the question of a 
new location for the Karen department was not yet settled. 
Since that time it has been decided, and two houses will be 
ready at the commencement of the rains. I was in favor of the 
measure, so far as mentioned in my last. Since that time, I have 
felt more and more the importance of some such course. Every 
week strengthens my opinion that unless the Karens make 
further progress in the habits of civilization, nothing which is 
done for their intellectual or spiritual welfare can be permanent ; 
that is, self-perpetuating and independent of foreign aid. They 
will always need the oversight of a missionary. This reconciles 
me to almost any effort that promises success in that direction. 
If it fails, we must, — what? Give it up ? I think not. To do so 
would be to relinquish all hopes of permanent results by our 
labors. We must try again. Of one thing I am certain ; the 
step has not been taken without long and prayerful considera- 
tion, and the most fraternal regard to my wishes by Brother 
Vinton. I only regret that my inexperience in the country and 
with the people has made me unable to advise or act largely in 
the matter. We feel that very much is at stake, both for our- 
selves and the Karens, yet we leave the result cheerfully in the 
hands of our Heavenly Father, and hope for the best. 

An extract from Mrs. Binney's journal will complete 
the history of the first season in the Karen jungle. 

February 2d, 1845. M r - Binney has now been preaching for 
several weeks, both on the Lord's Day, and at other times, and 
I find myself slowly improving in the ability to teach and talk 
with the people. I am encouraged to think that time and hard 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. I 8 I 

work will finally make us at home in this language ; but nothing 
els^ will do it. It will not come to one by ever so patient calling 
and waiting. To-day Mr. Binney has had several applications 
for baptism. The inquirers seem to be sincere, thoroughly in 
earnest, and appear every way well ; but he has put them off a 
little, in order that he may have opportunity to consult with Mr. 
Vinton, who will be up soon, and who knows many of them per- 
sonally. They are very reluctant to be put off a day, but after 
being told that the Teacher wished to defer their baptism a little, 
and that tlie responsibility would be his and not theirs, they were 
better satisfied. I am sure our Pedobaptist friends would not, 
if they were here, accuse us of laying too great stress on bap- 
tism. These people were told over and over again, the nature 
of the new birth ; and its necessity, in order to qualify them for 
this ordinance ; but the Karens, like the primitive disciples, 
seem to place baptism in very close juxtaposition to repentance 
and faith. One of them said to-day, " How am I to know, and 
how are others to know, that I have renounced the service of 
Satan, and become a disciple of Jesus Christ, unless I do what 
he commands me to do ? No, no, I have done with the service 
of the devil, and I want to show that I have." This man has re- 
cently come from the Shan Country, has had very little religious 
instruction ; but this season he learned to read, and now reads 
the Gospels hours every day. He is the same man Mr. Binney 
speaks of in his letter to Dr. Peck, and for whose return to his 
heathen home, he felt so much anxiety, lest his serious impres- 
sions should be lost. 

February 12th. — Alone to-day in the Karen jungle, my hus- 
band having gone to Maulmain for a few days on important 
business. I have been thinking, in my loneliness, much of my 
former views of missionary life, particularly of my views at the 
time when I professed conversion. I thought deeply of the duty 
of Christians toward the heathen ; and, although at that time I 
enjoyed very precious privileges, I thought I would gladly give 
them all up for the privilege I now enjoy of laboring among these 
benighted ones. But I had very vague and incorrect views of 
the work required. It seemed to me, as I believe it seems to 



1 82 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

many Christians, like doing for the advancement of the Redeem- 
er's kingdom on a large scale, as we say, "a wholesale business ;'' 
instead of looking upon the missionary, more truly than any 
others perhaps, as patiently and laboriously instructing the igno- 
rant ; reproving sin ; and, though on heathen ground, meeting 
the same devices of Satan as at home, and in the same manner ; 
finding every means ineffectual without the Spirit's aid; and 
withal, having to contend with the same temptations in his own 
heart, which paralyze the energies of the Church at home ; the 
same love of ease, aversion to patient, self-denying labor in a 
quiet way; the same love of human applause, which would lead 
to doing "some great thing," instead of following the indications 
of God's providence, which would perhaps lead to laying foun- 
dations, on which other hands alone will build. 

My views of the duty of the Church or of my own personal 
obligations have not lessened, but vastly increased; neither 
would I be anywhere else than where duty has so plainly called 
us ; but I feel more and more the need of special grace for a 
work like this. I never saw my dear husband more uniformly 
cheerful than he is here, alone and with hardly the bare necessa- 
ries of life ; and though we speak often of the contrasts of the 
past and present, and the dear ones are remembered in our daily 
prayers, yet I never witness the least regret. 

Thus rapidly did the four months of jungle life pass 
away. 

Just before returning to Maulmain an incident oc- 
curred, which perhaps would not be thought of sufficient 
importance to be noticed here but for its results. Mr. 
and Mrs. Binney, accompanied by their moonshee and a 
group of children, and often by others, were in the habit 
of taking a walk of an evening by the river Salwen. 
The western bank was a high ledge of rock, and hid the 
sun from the level eastern shore, on which the village 
stood, long before it set to the country around. This 



COMMENCEMENT OF MISSION WORK. 183 

enabled them to go out earlier than otherwise they 
could have done. 

On an evening of a sultry day, the Karens being still 
at. their evening meal, Mr. Binney suggested to his wife 
that it would be pleasant to slip off alone, and have a 
walk and a chat without interruption. They had thus 
walked perhaps a half hour leisurely on the shore, when, 
at a considerable distance, they perceived the huge horns, 
and soon the entire head, of a domestic buffalo emerging 
from the water. The creature seemed to have scented 
them from afar. Its glaring eye -balls, distended nostrils, 
and fiercely defiant attitude were fearful, especially when 
it was recollected that these animals were the mortal ene- 
mies of the European race, and, in the jungles, as much 
to be feared by them as the tigers. They dared not 
turn to retrace their steps ; but Mr. Binney called at the 
top of his voice for help. Slowly, however, they walked 
backward, facing the animal as best they could ; but 
their path lay parallel with the stream ; and the fierce 
creature, though confining himself as yet to the water, 
was perceptibly gaining upon them. Mr. Binney would 
occasionally brandish his walking stick and " look 
daggers " at their pursuer, when he would seem for an 
instant to be afraid, but as soon as they resumed their 
retreat, would recover his defiant attitude. All hopes 
of avoiding a conflict were failing, and Mr. Binney told 
his wife to run for her own life, while he would assume 
the offensive as the last resort, but she was urging a fur- 
ther persistence in the same course, when a child's 
voice was heard — " Stand still, Teacher! Stand still, 
Mamma I " In another instant a little figure darted past 

16* 



184 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

them, caught the buffalo by the string in the nose, and 
turning its head about, shouted out — " Now, now run 
fast." No second order was needed. In a short time 
after starting for the perilous walk, half the men of the 
village had turned out in pursuit of the " Teacher and 
Mamma," knowing that it was not safe for them to be 
out alone ; but they would have been too late. The 
little boy had saved them. From that time Gnah-poo 
was almost as their own child, and will be heard from 
again. 



CHAPTER XII. 

EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAULMAIN. 

1845-1850. 

THE last of April, 1845, Mr. and Mrs. Binney took 
possession of their new house on the new Mission 
premises, called Newton, a little way out of the town. 
The following is an extract from Mrs. Binney's journal: 

There have been many obstacles to prevent our taking posses- 
sion of this place. First, many of the brethren had doubts as 
to the healthfulness of the location. Although abundant testi- 
mony was procured that there was not more sickness there than 
in other parts of Maulmain, yet appearances were unfavorable. 
In the rains it is surrounded by water, and portions of it affected 
by the tide in the dry season. This difficulty was overcome by 
the facility with which the ground could be drained, but a more 
serious obstacle has arisen from Government having failed to 
meet expectations. When the purchase was made, a large part 
of the land was unoccupied, beside the Mission compound. Mr. 
Vinton and Mr. Binney's plan was to obtain a grant of this for a 
Karen village, and thus an important step would be taken in 
bringing this wild people in contact with European civilization, 
and make a home for Christians coming to town, either for busi- 
ness or instruction. Since the great fire, the Government has 
forbidden Burmans to put up their frail houses in the city, and 
they have sought land here until every nook and corner is occu- 
pied, so that the Karens will be in a state very similar to that in 

185 



I 86 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

which they were before they left the city. Still, there were other 
considerations which induced the purchase, and we have taken 
possession alone ; the Vihtons were to follow in four weeks with 
their schools. While we do not seem to have an inch of room 
to spare in our new house, yet we have all we really need, and 
are content. As to physical comforts, we feel that God has been 
better to us than our fears, and he has thus far prospered us 
wonderfully in our efforts to acquire the language. I trust our 
faith for the future may be greatly strengthened by his past good- 
ness. As to my husband, he is as happy as any man can expect 
to be in this world ; he is so cheerful, almost jubilant, that I have 
a kind of fear, perhaps presentiment, that some great trial awaits 
us. 

April 26th — I took a sad, probably a final leave of Mrs. Judson 
this morning. She has gone on board ship expecting to sail 
early to-morrow for America, but we doubt whether she lives to 
reach England. It is the last resort. Poor Dr. Judson ! He did 
not wish to return to America, but God in his providence has 
compelled him to do so. 

June 15th — Mr. Binney preached his first sermon before his 
associates, the Vintons, to-day. Not having preached before 
any but the natives till this morning, he seemed a little nervous, 
but God has certainly been better to us than our fears. When 
we took our first Karen lesson, but little more than one year ago, 
we should have been very happy could we have been assured of 
doing so well. Not that we " have attained," but the prospect is 
encouraging. Brother Vinton is more than satisfied with Mr. 
Binney's success, and all praise the sermon. If hard work and 
earnest prayer will prevail, the result is certain. Mr. Binney has 
his school well under way ; he gives himself mostly to Biblical 
Instruction, while I help him in teaching arithmetic, a little geo- 
graphy, etc. 

More than half of these sixteen pupils are from the Rangoon 
District, having made their way overland through forests and 
dense jungles, often sleeping by day and traveling by night for 
fear of their Burman rulers ; thus risking even their lives for the 
knowledge of God's word. Several of the pupils have brought 



EDUCA TIONAL WORK IN MA ULMAIN. 1 8 7 

their wives and little children with them, so that we have quite a 
charge for the beginning. They are in many respects an inter- 
esting class, but are so uncultivated that their uncouth ways and 
dirty habits annoy me. I find it very hard to bear patiently with 
them, and gently teach them another way. I look upon this as 
one of my greatest trials, but one in which I dare say I should 
meet with but little sympathy. When I see how little this dis- 
turbs Mr. Binney, and especially when I see the familiarity of 
the Vintons with them, I keep very silent on the subject. Indeed, 
I am ashamed and humbled, but still suffer just the same. Jesus 
ate with Publicans and sinners. 

The Mission Premises, when purchased, had no 
buildings and the grounds were entirely uncultivated, 
so the place could be laid out from the beginning ac- 
cording to the taste of the missionaries themselves ; that 
is, they had the opportunity of using the small means 
at their disposal as they chose. Mr. Vinton was over- 
whelmed with work and care, and was glad to leave 
this department to Mr. Binney. He not only built his 
own dwelling-house, school-house, and dormitories as 
he chose, but arranged their relation to other buildings 
and to the whole plan ; the laying out of the roads, 
gardens, walks, and the buildings for the schools under 
his care were all planned by Mr. Binney. 

He and Mr. Vinton would go out with the Ka- 
rens of both schools an hour or more in the early 
morning and evening, and work on the drains and 
roads, going themselves into the work as if they loved 
it. Not only that, but in order to keep the houses and 
compounds clean, they often took the lead in the use of 
rakes and shovels. This kind of work told rapidly 
upon the place, converting it from a most unsightly 



1 88 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

marsh and jungle into an oasis. English friends, seeing 
what was being done, sent carts and coolies, now and 
then, to assist in enclosing the grounds by a fence and 
hedge. Others sent money for the erection of necessa- 
ry buildings. One lady met the expense of a pretty 
school-house for the Theological Seminary. A pious 
officer gave the means for laying the brick walks from 
the dwelling-house to the chapel, and from thence to 
the Karen dormitories, and covering them with a 
thatched roof, so that in the rains by day or night they 
could be reached without exposure. 

But this work, in addition to teaching several hours 
daily, was telling upon Mr. Binney's health. Mr. Vin- 
ton and the Karens protested, and he felt obliged to de- 
sist. But he could do so without detriment now. The 
prejudice against the kind of work had been overcome; 
they had learned now to keep their places tidy, and 
learned, too, that it must be done ; that if they did not 
do it the Teacher and Mamma would do it themselves. 
They looked upon it as a part of their education, and he 
never was obliged again to work with his pupils in 
order to get work done. He often did so to show them 
how and to encourage them, but there was no longer 
any objection from his pupils to work for the sake of 
exercise and to save expenditure of mission funds. 
Still, the extremely filthy habits of this people, grown 
up to manhood, were very difficult to deal with. 

Mrs. Binney had kept the little boy, the hero of the 
buffalo adventure, with her, and had spent a few minutes 
at a time, as a little leisure presented, in teaching him 
English. He was like her shadow, following and assist- 



ED UCA TIOAAL WORK IN MA ULMA1N. I 8 9 

ing her on all occasions ; a mutual and strong attach- 
ment, continually increasing, existed between them, and 
she found him a most efficient helper in making sug- 
gestions to the people as to their habits, which she 
scarcely had courage to do in person. This led to the 
idea of establishing a school for children. 

At first a little girl was taken into the family, almost 
as bright and promising as Gnah-poo. She was also 
very useful, and kept about the place like a daughter. 
The little boy, with some help, taught her to read Eng- 
lish, and they both learned to speak it with wonderful 
facility ; they were mere children, and it became to them 
like their native tongue. Then seven or eight were 
brought in, and soon the school numbered thirty, to 
which number it was limited. A gentleman gave them 
a school building the second year. The parents were 
required to give their children entirely to the school, 
and there was never a case of violated faith. Mr. Bin- 
ney took a general oversight of the school, especially of 
its financial interests, but gave no lessons. In it, Mrs. 
Binney spent four or five hours daily, and taught the 
school largely " to run itself." Every pupil was made 
to teach what he or she knew, to those who knew less, 
and so almost all became teachers. No pupil was 
allowed to speak Karen in the school-room ; of course, 
the moment they left the school they were sur- 
rounded only by their own people and used their own 
language. The Old Testament had not yet been trans- 
lated, and these children would give to the pupils of the 
Seminary all they learned from the English Bible. 
There was no difficulty in keeping a small number clean 



190 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 



and tidy, and as they were in the house and took turns 
in doing the work of the house, their influence was like 
a charm over the Theological and other Schools in the 
Mission Compound. 

Mr. Binney was looking forward, with great pleasure, 
to the day when some of these lads would be able to 
use his library freely. Both schools were continued as 
long in the dry season as possible, having only a short 
vacation. Mr. Vinton, however, was obliged to return 
home, and Mr. Binney, in his absence, spent more or 
less time in visiting the churches and doing such work 
in the jungle as he was able. 

But while there was great progress and much cause 
for gratitude, Mr. Binney found these years of mercy 
mingled with many trials. From the first, there did not 
seem to him to be, on the field, the same appreciation 
of the importance of the work to which he had been 
designated, as he had expected to find. The Karens 
were a wild, jungle-loving people, and, until very recent- 
ly, the subject race. It was perhaps natural that 
those who had worked for and with the Burmans 
should look upon the Karens as hardly needing such an 
Institution as he was contemplating. 

Dr. Judson, after a few weeks acquaintance with Mr. 
Binney, wrote him an earnest letter stating his opinion 
that he should abandon his plan of a Theological School 
for Karens and enter the Burman Department as a 
preacher. He gave very fully and freely his reasons for 
this opinion. They were very complimentary to Mr. 
Binney, could not well have been more so, and were 
especially enforced by the consideration that there was 



ED UCA TIONAL WORK IN MA ULMAIN. I 9 1 

no man then in all Maulmain who was giving himself 
wholly or indeed very much to preaching to the 
Burmans. It is to be regretted, that neither Dr. Jud- 
son's letter nor the reply is preserved; both were worthy 
of the men. Mr. Binney, in common with the friends 
of missions everywhere, looked upon Dr. Judson as the 
embodiment of wisdom, self-denial, and all Christian 
graces, and it was a sore trial of his faith in his work to 
be met at the onset by such an opinion from such a 
source. He hesitated and faltered, but, after a careful 
and prayerful survey of the whole field he felt compelled 
to differ from him and to pursue his original purpose. 

He had but just decided this question when Dr. Ma- 
son and Mr. Vinton presented to him a plan, carefully 
drawn up, for them all to work together in the Educa- 
tional Department, having equal powers and equal re- 
sponsibilities, and in the dry season all would give them- 
selves equally to jungle work. This was pressed with 
great earnestness by Mr. Mason, and when Mr. Binney 
felt compelled to decline the proposal, Mr. Mason avowed 
himself so opposed to the plan of one General Institu- 
tion, to be conducted by one man, that he declared his 
intention to labor for a similar school to be established 
at Tavoy ; and before Mr. Binney had been a year in the 
country Rev. E. B. Cross, just from the Theological In- 
stitution at Hamilton, was sent to Tavoy, believing him- 
self in every way empowered to do the same work for 
Tavoy as Mr. Binney was doing for Maulmain. The 
next year Rev. J. S. Beecher, also a young man just 
from the same Theological Institution, was sent out to 
establish a similar school at Bassein. Local influences 
17 



I92 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

seemed likely to counteract what he deemed the great 
motive for his coming to Burmah, and all these things 
led to much correspondence and an immense expendi- 
ture of strength and time. He must, under the circum- 
stances, have had stronger faith than is usually found, 
not to have been sorely tried, even depressed. 

Under date of April, 1848, Mr. Binney sent to the 
Board a carefully prepared " Plan of Education for Ka- 
ren Native Preachers," embracing to some extent the 
whole plan of Education for Karens. A part of this 
was published, but the original plan as written by him- 
self is inserted here. It is long, and probably will not 
interest all readers, but those who have borne a share of 
the burden of Educational Work in Burmah cannot fail 
to perceive by the light of experience, how clear and far- 
seeing were his views, and also how perfectly devoid of 
all self-seeking was his aim in carrying them out. If 
the work could be done without him, much as his heart 
was in it, he was as ready to lay it down as he had been 
to take it up. 

MR. BINNEY'S LETTER TO THE FOREIGN SECRETARY. 

In a letter received about a month since from Mr. Cross, he 
says, " Mr. Peck wrote me some months ago inquiring our 
opinion about the propriety of having three theological schools 
instead of one." I hence infer that the Executive Committee 
have the subject under consideration, and I trust intend ere long 
to decide this important question. From the first, I have had 
but one opinion respecting it. There should be but one Theo- 
logical School, designed to be permanent, and to be continued 
during the dry season. I have previously offered a few thoughts 
respecting it ; but as every month and an increased knowledge 
of the state and wants of the Karens have the more confirmed 



ED UCA TIONAL WORK IN MA UL MAIN. \ 9 3 

my early impressions, I beg through you to present to the Ex- 
excutive Committee my present views of the whole subject. I 
trust the importance of the issue will be a sufficient apology for 
the length of this communication and secure for it a con- 
sideration. 

There is, perhaps, a liability to blend points in themselves 
distinct, and which require a distinct provision. In this confu- 
sion of the subject, three schools may appear desirable. The 
necessities of the older class of assistants are thus made to con- 
trol the provision to be made for a younger and entirely different 
class, respecting which there is no such necessity. 

I. The class of older assist ints have families, and some of 
them large families, which renders it expensive and for them 
very difficult to attend school at a distance. They are the best 
qualified of any we have to preach, and are therefore needed 
during the dry season to operate in the jungle ; so their journey 
to school must be annual. Again, they may at times be needed 
even during the rainy season, to look after the churches ; of 
which the missionary in charge must be the judge. He must be 
permitted to send and to recall this class of assistants according 
to the exigencies of the field in which he labors. If they attend 
school at a distance from him, he can have no opportunity to 
consult with their teacher before taking them from their studies. 
Under such circumstances there could be no mutual understand- 
ing, and consequently a school could not long prosper, even if 
it continued to exist. For the instruction of this class, it is neces- 
sary to make provision at each station ; where the missionary in 
charge and the teacher of the assistants can have frequent con- 
sultations. I can but think that the instructor of this class would 
be far more successful were he in charge of churches, as others 
are. He would, during the dry season, become intimately 
acquainted with the work and all its circumstances ; and follow- 
ing with his own eye his pupils as they go forth preaching, 
he would learn their practical defects, and be better able 
to adapt his instruction and discipline to the very work now 
needed among the Karens. Besides, being in charge, like his 
brethren, he would better appreciate the present necessities of 



194 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

the churches, and would more cheerfully yield to the wants of 
his brethren, though it might produce some irregularity in his 
classes. Because this class of older assistants ought not to at- 
tend school at a distance, some have inferred a necessity for 
three Theological Schools ; but no such inference legitimately fol- 
lows. It only shows that instruction during the rainy season is 
needed at each station. For the instruction thus needed, as well 
as for that of school teachers at each station, provision is made 
so soon as the station is provided with men sufficient to do the 
jungle work of the dry season. Supposing the station to have 
only two men in charge of the churches, one may teach this 
class of assistants, and the other may instruct in other branches. 
Two such men are certainly needed for the jungle labor of each 
station. The criterion by which we are to decide how many 
men are required for the Karen Mission is, how many are re- 
quisite to preach, and to look after the assistants and churches. 
Wherever you make suitable provision for this, there will be men 
enough in town during "the rains," to give all the instruction 
needed for the station, and to prepare such books as are requisite 
for the time being. This does not include the men engaged in 
translating the Bible and making dictionaries ; because these 
men have not time for jungle work, unless it be an occasional 
tour for their own recreation. This will appear if it be remem- 
bered how long the Karen Mission has been established, and 
that, to this day, the translation of the Old Testament is yet 
scarcely begun. Genesis and a part of the Psalms are alone 
even in manuscript. The New Testament only is printed. The 
first edition is exhausted, and the correction for another edition 
is but just begun. The Dictionary is, I think, no farther advanced. 
The first letter only of the Alphabet is printed, and even the 
vocabulary, brief as it is, is but about half done. Yet, both Mr. 
Wade and Mr. Mason have done much more than half their 
work upon missionary ground. Hence, I suppose, provision 
must be made for the churches independent of the translator 
and dictionary maker, and that provision will be ample for all 
the educational necessities of each station. The great propor- 
tion of education in reading, writing, geography, and arithmetic 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAUL MA TN. 195 

should be given in the jungle by native teachers who may them- 
selves be instructed during the rains as suggested above. This 
would greatly reduce the number whom you now feed and clothe 
in town. The necessities of the Educational Department and 
those of the churches, at each station, will go hand in hand, and 
will gradually cease to need the labor of the American Mis- 
sionary. If we do our duty, with the blessing of God, ten years, 
more or less, should see the Karens at the heads of their own 
churches and schools, (so far as peculiar to each station,) and 
supporting them too. Supporting them because both willing and 
able to support them, and I may add, because thus conducted 
by themselves. If at that time they determine to have all their 
teaching done at their own door, and to pay for it, I should 
cease to feel a part of the objections which now arise in my own 
mind — the part connected with our present mode of supporting 
Foreign Missions. 

II. It will be seen that, though the above does much by way of 
a gradual improvement of the people, and for the preparation 
of teachers and preachers, it does not do all that may by a judi- 
cious system, be done at a small additional expense, — small, 
considering it is for a nation, — a nation so generally ready to re- 
ceive the gospel as are the Karens. It does not provide for a 
class of men more thoroughly disciplined and educated, who, 
before ten years shall have passed, will be needed to fill im- 
portant posts in the churches, and for the people, and to wield a 
controlling influence in their councils. It does not provide for a 
class, now too young to preach, but who after a few years study 
the year round, might constitute a suitable connecting link be- 
tween the older assistants and a more thoroughly trained minis- 
try. It makes no provision for a class of children and youth, 
already in the churches and rapidly increasing, who are too young 
for teachers or preachers, and who, if not taken by us, will be 
wandering about the jungle, and who ought to be immediately 
placed under a rigid course of instruction. This class, from the 
object in view, must be small. None should be received but the 
most promising, and those who may be retained for a number of 
years, free from parental interference. 

17* 



I96 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA H. 

It is for the two latter classes that I suppose a General Institu- 
tion needed, to be continued the whole year, with suitable vaca- 
tions. Even in the vacations they should be under the direction 
of their teacher. This would evidently require two depart- 
ments, one for Theology and one for other studies. The former 
must of necessity be under the charge of a competent mission- 
ary, the latter for some years certainly, may be taught by a 
competent young lady, and its general supervision taken by the 
man having charge of the Theological Institution. 

English should be the classical language. Should the classi- 
cal department or Normal school, as it might be called, ulti- 
mately outgrow the care of a lady, — which will not soon be, — it 
would be necessary to have two men, one at the head of each 
department. The instruction of the Classical School could not 
be given by the teacher in Theology. Not because of the num- 
ber of the pupils, but from the diversity of studies and the num- 
ber of classes. Here, then, one man is required the year round 
for a Theological Institution, and to take the general oversight 
of the Classical Department. Small as the class may be, judi- 
ciously selected, we must take care of it, or the Roman Catholics 
will ere long do it for us. 

For the general supervision of this Institution, you may have 
to provide, long after the Karens may themselves be competent 
for every other department. It should be for all, at every sta- 
tion, for whose instruction you make provision the whole year. 
It should include both Sgau and Pwo Karens. Mr. Bullard, pre- 
viously to his death, had decided to place even his older assis- 
tants in my school. It will be seen that none of the objections 
to attending school at a distance, raised for the class of older 
assistants, can apply to the younger classes ; and that the neces- 
sity for instruction the year round exists only with reference to 
this select portion, which must from the nature of the case long 
remain comparatively small. It differs, also, from the fact that 
the other, being attached to a particular station, should be under 
the advisory direction of the station itself, while this, belonging 
to all the stations, should be under the advisory direction of all 
the stations — an ultimate appeal being in all cases to the Ex- 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAULMAIN. 197 

ecutive Committee. To meet the above, the Institution might 
be visited annually, biennially, or triennially — more or less fre- 
quently by a delegation from each of the stations. This, while 
it would afford your Missionaries opportunities for consultation 
respecting the general interests of the Mission, would also be 
calculated to secure to the Institution the sympathy and aid of 
all the stations, to prove a wholesome, and perhaps necessary 
check upon any liability to loose theory or practice in the Insti- 
tution, and to afford to its head essential aid in adapting his 
labors to the prospective wants of the Karens. 

The expenses of the Institution, whether for traveling or or- 
dinary support, should be charged by itself, and not to any one 
station, and its location should be central. To this, might also 
be sent all the classes of older assistants connected with the 
station in which it is located; they to be subject to the direc- 
tion of their own station, in the same manner as the older assist- 
ants are to each other's station ; provided, that while they were 
at their studies they should be subject to the rules of the 
school. 

Respecting the location of the Institution, I have ever said 
that I was willing to be at any place which the brethren might 
prefer for the object. At first, I had no opinion about it, but 
now I think it should be in the vicinity of Maulmain. The rea- 
son will be seen by a reference to the map. It is to provide for 
Tavoy and South Maulmain and east ; and northeast, over the 
mountains, for Arracan, Bassein ; and around, for Rangoon and 
beyond. This location was, I think, approved for a General In- 
stitution four years ago, by all. Mr. Abbott was of opinion that 
it should be at Maulmain, and Mr. Mason said, If there is to be 
a General Institution, it should be in the vicinity of Maulmain. 
Some, however, thought it should be at Amherst. To this there 
could not be much to object. It would have its advantages ; 
especially, during the dry season, it would be favored with the 
salt water air and bath. The present Karen houses could be re- 
moved at small loss above the expense of taking down and put- 
ting up again, perhaps also a trifle for transportation. Still, if the 
brethren all thought best, I should prefer Maulmain, as it has 



I98 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

good medical attendance, and chiefly, perhaps, because I am al- 
ready here.* 

1. More than one institution unnecessarily expends men and 
money. That it is not necessary appears from the above. I fear 
many do not calculate correctly when they estimate the expenses 
of these schools. A Christian minister's life and influence are 
worth something, and ought not uselessly to be expended. In 
estimating the pecuniary expense, we are liable to include only 
the bills returned as direct charges for this object. We are liable 
to overlook the yet greater items for the missionary's outfit, pas- 
sage, dwelling, salary, &c, and the whole list of contingencies 
for sickness, traveling, for health, and the children's support, 
till the age of sixteen years. This is no trifling bill to be assessed 
on the few pupils to be found at each station the year round. 
But to multiply this by the number of stations as a provision for 
theological education in the very infancy of the churches, and 
that from funds, much of which is collected from the poor on the 
express plea of urgent necessities, appears to me in a much 
stronger light than I have wished to state. 

2. The question of one or three is not really the question at 
issue. If there be more than one, for the same reasons there 
should be as many as there are stations a little removed from 
each other. We now speak of three, because our field, for the 
time being, is so divided. Let Bassein be opened to our mis- 
sionaries, and some new provision must be made for them. 
Rangoon, so soon as men can remain there, will need the same; 
and when churches begin to multiply over the mountains, you 
must establish yet another ; and thus to what extent no man can 
tell. They will certainly be needed for Rangoon and for the 
mountain Karens, far more than they are at both Maulmain and 
Tavoy. These two stations may better be associated than any 
other two stations ever likely to come under the mission. I have 
pupils now in my school from many days' travel beyond Ran- 
goon, and who were more distant from Sandoway than they were 

* It will be remembered that Rangoon was still under Burmese rule, and 
that Maulmain was the capital of British Burmah. 



ED UCA TIONAL WORK IN MA ULMAIN. \ 99 

from Maulmain. If, then, the necessity for three schools be now- 
admitted, they must be indefinitely increased hereafter, and we 
should count the cost before we launch upon such a system. 

3. Such a multiplication of Theological Schools is out of all 
proportion to what is doing, or can be done, in other departments 
of missionary labor. If only the amount of labor said by mis- 
sionaries to be now needed at each station, be regarded, to say 
nothing of the wide fields opening on every side, (I have now in 
my mind three different fields, which I have within six months 
been invited to visit, where they have never seen a teacher 
among them. Their chiefs told me, if a teacher would visit 
them, their people would listen:) it would appear how utterly 
impossible it is for the Executive Committee to provide other 
laborers in proportion to this large number of schools. 

4. One Institution would enable the Executive Committee to 
do what they do more effectually even in the cause of education 
for Karens, than they can do with three schools. Not to insist 
upon what has already been written to us respecting retrench- 
ment, (my own school the past year was saved only by the gene- 
rosity of my associates; and, as it was, the reduction of the 
amount allowed to the Theological School compelled me to refrain 
from doing what my pupils expected and what I thought to be 
necessary for the improvement of my pupils ; ) there can be no 
doubt that there is a limit to the ability of the Executive Com- 
mittee. I cannot believe that the American churches will ever 
give adequate support to so many Theological Schools for the 
same people. I repeat, that the necessity for an additional man 
in a General Institution, should it occur, will arise, not from the 
number of the pupils, but from the number of classes and diver- 
sity of studies. It requires as much time properly to prepare for, 
and rightly to conduct, a small class as it does a large one. I 
have thus far found my largest classes make better improvement 
than the smaller classes. There is no magic in the successful 
teaching and training of a well-qualified ministry ; it is not to be 
done in the lump. Every mind must be individually reached 
by instruction specifically and often repeated, and this demands 
the most thorough preparation before recitations ; and no teacher 



200 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

can neglect this, even among Karens, but at the expense of his 
pupils' improvement. Can our Mission supply such instruction 
to each station the year round? I think not. Whatever the 
Committee may wish and resolve to do, the churches will not 
afford the means. 

What, then, shall be done ? The having a large number of 
schools, half supported, and of necessity half taught, can give 
only a popular education. It cannot give what the Committee 
wish, and what the welfare of the churches demands — a good 
foundation upon which to build a well-educated ministry. Is it 
not better to make a suitable provision at some one point than 
thus to scatter our resources? But this is only one branch of 
expense. To those acquainted with educational efforts, I need 
.not enlarge. 

5. Above, I have said, that the churches will not afford the 
means. It should also be stated, that even if they were willing 
to do so, the men and money are more needed at home, both 
for the preaching of the gospel and purposes of education, than 
three Theological Schools are needed for the Karens. I speak 
from a personal knowledge of what is needed at home. Without 
going into our western and south-western States, I have myself 
seen the destitution and the array of error even in some of our 
old States, without the means to remove the one or combat the 
other. 

Our State Conventions and Home Missionary Societies witness 
the same. I have, also, been four years in daily intercourse 
with the Karens and with Karen missionaries ; I have heard the 
wants and circumstances of each station read, explained, and 
discussed. It is after all this, I must honestly say, that were I to 
be at home again with my present knowledge, I could not give 
either my own money, or ask for that of others, for such a multipli- 
cation of schools for Karens, until those destitute places of our 
own land had been first supplied. 

6. Pupils educated together will be more likely to understand 
each other, and to co-operate together in all their future labors for 
the Churches and Nation. It is not merely that they are subject to 
the same and mutual intellectual influences, but their moral and 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAUL MAIN. 201 

social habits will be formed together, and they will become ac- 
customed to each other's views, feelings, expressions, and actions, 
under the most favorable circumstances. The advantage of this 
in the infancy of the churches is incalculable. 

•7. Three Theological Schools will prove a strong temptation 
to require the older assistants to study during the dry season, 
when they ought to be in the jungle preaching and assisting the 
churches. No man qualified to take charge of these schools 
will sit down five months in the year to teach five or six pupils, 
without casting a longing look into the jungle after the preachers. 
Soon the period for teaching will be shortened, or the number of 
preachers in the jungle will be diminished ; nor will the good 
judgment of the station always be a sufficient antidote to this. 

8. For the same reasons, three schools will prove a strong 
temptation to encourage unsuitable persons to study for the min- 
istry. The number at each station who ought to study the year 
round must for a long time be small. If we duly consider the 
character and ability of the men, and the weighty reponsibilities 
hereafter to devolve upon this class, we cannot avoid this con- 
clusion. I refrain from stating here my own experience respect- 
ing this and the previous reasons ; but this perhaps I ought to 
say, that I have good reason for distrusting my own ability to 
resist these temptations. It is not a very difficult matter, while 
spending the money of others, to have a large number ot 
persons whom we may call students ! The difficulty is to sift out 
the chaff; and there is a temptation to be remiss when we know 
that a due strictness would leave but little wheat. 

9. The plan of three schools must entail upon Karens a system 
of education which for ages they cannot themselves support. In 
other words, it confirms them in a state of dependence on others. 
No one acquainted with the condition and prospects of the 
Karens, and with what is needed to support a system of educa- 
tion, can for a moment suppose that the Karens will for ages be 
able to support such a burden. Is it right, then, for us to place 
a nation in such circumstances ? Not to urge the bad economy 
of the act, have we any warrant that our means at home, or the 
condition of this country in years to come, will allow us to con- 



202 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA H. 

tinue our aid to the extent supplied ? It is exceedingly doubtful 
whether, for half a century or more, Karens will be able wholly 
to relinquish the aid of others. But with their Translation and 
Dictionary made, and with one or two efficient men at the helm 
of their Educational Department, they ought to be able to sustain 
their own operations in a much shorter period. And they could 
support one such Institution by their united efforts, when they 
would yield to despair at the thought of supporting an Institution 
at each station. 

10. This system of three schools is calculated to foster in the 
Karen churches the idea, that they are not required to deny 
themselves for the general good. It lays the axe to the root of 
the tree. It begins its work with the very men whose business it 
is to press home upon the conscience of the churches the self- 
denying requisitions of the gospel. It practically, if not theo- 
retically, teaches him, at the very commencement of his ministry, 
that his local preference and his convenience are first of all to 
be consulted ; and all this is while he is in every respect depen- 
dent on others. If they do these things in the green tree, what will 
they do in the dry ? Of what possible benefit can such a class of 
men be in the ministry of Jesus Christ — an office which no man 
can hold with success and with a good conscience, without self- 
denial ? With such a ministry, what must be the state of the 
churches ? Besides, where are we to look for the men who will 
" leave father, mother, brother, and sister, and houses and lands," 
as they may possess them ; who will peril even their own lives, 
— to preach the gospel on the mountains to the " Red Karens," 
and to obey our Saviour's last command ? I cannot think that 
a missionary body should foster in the churches and in the mis- 
istry the quintessence of anti-missionaryism. 

Difficulties in the way. 

I ought not perhaps to close, without alluding to some of the 
difficulties in the way of adopting but one Institution. 

i. It has been said, pupils will not come to a distance to attend 
school. I give my own schools as a practical refutation of this. I 
have had, and now have, pupils from the most distant Karen 



ED UCA TIONA L WORK IN MA UL MA IN 



203 



churches under your patronage; and the,ir journey hither has 
been, on almost every account, the most difficult. Some have 
come alone ; some have brought their families ; and some have 
sent their children, boys and girls, to remain with us so long as 
we may think best. Such is their confidence in their teachers 
that they feel satisfied if they can have their children with us ; 
and respecting this matter they will do as their teachers desire 
them to do. What is yet more satisfactory to my own mind is, 
that those from a distance are decidedly among the most dili- 
gent and successful in their studies, and the most patient and 
happy during the dry season. 

II. The expense of getting these pupils to us, has been ob- 
jected. This estimate of expenses overlooks, as noted above, 
the heavy bills for the missionary, his family, etc. 

III. It may be said, It is unnecessary for us at present to decide 
definitely. Let the schools go on, and a system will adjust itself 
to circumstances. It is doubtless true, if you begin with one, it 
will be easy to enlarge the number. Almost any station would 
be glad to have a school at its own door. But I submit to 
those acquainted with educational efforts, with all the piety of 
the church and ministry, Whether, if we begin with a school at 
each station, it will be easy and natural for these stations to re- 
linquish them, and to unite in one Institution ; whether years of 
indulgence in this matter will make men more self-denying. 
This objection only asks time, and it will give to each station all 
its desires, so far as to expend for local ends what little we can 
have. Circumstances will, doubtless, secure dry season instruc- 
tion somewhere. The question is, Shall we have one, or many 
schools, the year round ? From the first, I have thought that the 
only way not to have three, or more, is to have one and to sus- 
tain it. 

IV. It may be urged that the men are here ; that their jungle 
work is done in some two months, or so ; and that they may 
then as well teach a school as do nothing. But why (if it be so) 
are your missionaries in the jungle so short a time ? Most cer- 
tainly not because of anything in the climate which prevents, 
for men of business, of ordinary constitution, go with perfect 



204 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN EURMAH. 

security during the dry season — they do sometimes go even in 
the rainy season. Your missionaries can, doubtless, go during 
the dry season, if they have physical ability. If they have not, 
they ought not to come as missionaries to this country. Indeed, 
unless it be some special exception where long experience is 
needed in the language, as for a translator or maker of the Dic- 
tionary, if they become unfitted for the work, they should return 
home. If it is necessary for the Mission to support them, let it 
be done among the churches who give the money. Missionary 
ground is - no place for a hospital, any more than the battle 
ground is for the invalid soldier. But why in the jungle for so 
short a time ? Assuredly, not because missionaries are not 
needed in the jungle, for you are constantly urged to send more 
men for this very work. Is it true that the Mission must support 
four or five men at a station, to be with the churches only two 
months in the year, when two men could do the whole work in 
four months ? Nor is this relieved by saying that missionaries 
need only to remain in town, and to give direction to native 
labor through the jungle ; for the number of men so urgently 
requested cannot be needed to sit down in town, to take the 
oversight of these few churches and this handful of assistants. 
The fact is, the men are not needed for any such purpose ; but 
they are greatly needed themselves to travel in the jungle, to 
examine with eagle eye the state of the churches, and to know 
by personal observation what the assistants are about ; whether 
they faithfully labor as assistants ; and, if faithful, whether their 
efforts are rightly directed. Without all this, whatever men may 
say, the missionary presides over the churches and their assistants 
in the dark. The whole dry season should be honestly and 
faithfully devoted to the interest of the cause in the jungle ; and 
it was while the Wades, Masons, Abbotts, and Vintons were 
thus laboring that God so much blessed the Karen Mission. 
I know this is hard, self-denying work, and most sincerely do 
I honor the men who faithfully do it. But hard as it is, it 
was for this they came here ; and if they repent their decision, 
they ought honestly to say so, and return home. 

V. Possibly the Executive Committee may feel, if the mis- 



ED UCA TIONAL WORK IN MA ULMA IN. 



205 



sionaries were agreed, we could act ; but this is a thing which 
cannot be forced. I once thought unanimity essential to a de- 
cision ; but I then supposed the difficulty grew out of some- 
thing peculiar to missionary work. That, I cannot now believe. 
In the Karen Mission there is now as much unanimity as 
could be expected. But it should not be overlooked that this 
point is not to be settled merely for the few men now here. 
They are present it may be to object to-day, but before the 
year closes they may be taken away. Their objections, there- 
fore, should not be allowed to rule the decision. 

VI. I am aware there is practically another difficulty, and I 
am not certain but the Executive Committee may feel it to be 
even greater than any yet named. Three men are upon the 
ground ; two of whom are commissioned to take charge of 
Theological Schools, and the third is at least in part to be en- 
gaged in similar employments. If, then, these men do not 
consent to do other work, are not tha Committee, it may be 
said, obliged to sustain them in the work to which they 
were sent ? The difficulty is real and great, yet what shall we 
do ? Must the Mission support us here, as supernumeraries, 
merely because we were sent here ? I think not. Whoever 
may be to blame in the matter, a due regard to the welfare of 
the cause ought to provide some remedy. If a man has health 
for the work, and is unwilling to deny himself to meet the 
exigency, he certainly is not the right sort of man to be the 
teacher and pattern of the rising ministry in these Karen 
churches. Most cheerfully, under the circumstances, would I 
resign my charge to another and become a jungle-missionary. 
It is the post of honor in the Karen Mission. But my brethren 
know I am physically unfit for the work. It is not that I 
should not long live ; I could not do what is absolutely neces- 
sary to be done. This was well-known before I came here, 
and my constitutional vigor has not gained since my arrival. 
When Mr. Vinton returned to America, the field was left desti- 
tute, and I thought it my duty to do what I could, however much 
it might fall short of what was needed. I accordingly dismissed 
my pupils until the next rains. So soon as Dr. Kane, Sur- 



206 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

geon to one of the regiments here, learned my intention, he 
sent me the following : 

" My dear Mr. Binney, understanding that you contemplate 
a sojourn in the jungle during the present dry season, I feel I 
am only performing my duty in telling you that I consider 
both you and Mrs. Binney to be most unsuited for any such 
mode of life, from your state of health. I have now had nearly 
a year's medical experience of you both, during which I formed 
the opinion, that from the general delicacy of your constitu- 
tion considerable care and attention are requisite to enable 
you to preserve your health in this country. As these condi- 
tions cannot be complied with in a jungle residence, I have 
considered it my duty to warn you in time and thereby relieve 
myself of responsibility, though not of anxiety, on your behalf; 
and hope the circumstances will excuse my obtruding my un- 
asked opinion." 

Mr. Mason, proposing most kindly to take my place in the jun- 
gle, writes : " My dear Brother Binney, I have grave doubts of 
its being the duty of yourself and Mrs. Binney to go into the jun- 
gle this season, and that simply on the ground of your health. 
The season seems particularly sickly, and you have much less 
vigor of constitution to meet it than you had when you last visited 
the jungle. Should you go, the probabilities are quite as strong 
to my mind that we shall not have your labors next rains, as 
that we shall ; or that, having them, your system will be so shat- 
tered that it will not be long before you are compelled to leave 
the country." But my pupils had already been dismissed, and 
I thought it best to do what I could. 

Such, therefore, being my own state, I cannot become a jungle 
missionary. Mr. Beecher has good health, and if I am not much 
mistaken in the spirit of the man, he will be willing to do any- 
thing to advance the interests of the churches. I do not believe 
he will allow himself for a moment to stand in the way of a Gen- 
eral Institution ; how it may be with Mr. Cross, I am more doubt- 
ful, because I do know him or his circumstances. I know he 
considers himself sent to sustain a Theological School, in no wise 
differing from that at Maulmain. He has a young family about 



ED UCA TIONA L WORK IN MA UL MA IN. 2 O 7 

him, and may feel he cannot become a jungle missionary. He 
may also be very unwilling to return home. I believe the diffi- 
culty — should there be one — to be in the disposal of Mr. Cross 
and myself, and however painful it may be, I have resolved to 
remove it. I cannot do jungle work, but I can return home. I 
love the work in which I am engaged, and should the Executive 
Committee decide to have one Institution, and should they think 
it best to commit that to my care, I am prepared to devote my- 
self to it as heartily and cheerfully as when I at first came to 
this country. But it was not to please myself nor to promote my 
own interest that I came ; nor can I remain from any such con- 
sideration. I came, not to embarrass, but to assist the cause. 
Should, therefore, the Executive Committee wish for one Institu- 
tion, and in deciding should they, to meet the difficulty here pre- 
sented, be unable otherwise to remove it, I hereby authorize 
them to recall me. I resign my place to my brother Cross. It 
may be more difficult for him with his family, than it is for me. 
Let him immediately enter upon the work ; and let a good jun- 
gle missionary take his place at Tavoy. I say again, I would 
prefer to remain here if needed, but would rather return home 
than be one of three men to do one man's work. I would rather 
return home, than to spend missionary money, and entail upon 
the Karens such a system of education. 

That the God of all wisdom may enable his servants rightly to 
decide, and energetically to pursue, what is best is my earnest 
prayer. 

Very sincerely, your brother in gospel labor, 

J. G. BlNNEY. 

An extract from a letter written by Mr. Binney to the 
Board, February 22d, 1848, after his return from a tour 
in the jungle, will give, perhaps, a more clear idea of the 
kind of labor involved ; and show how well grounded 
were his convictions of his inability to do justice to it. 
These convictions were held, while yet considering the 

18* 



208 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

question of entrance on the position to which he was 
first called by the Board in 1843. 

I have not attempted what Mr. Vinton had been accustomed 
to do, knowing that it was out of the question. I have no con- 
stitution for such work. In this conviction I was quite confirmed 
by what I saw and heard during my recent tour. This traveling 
in the jungle is no boys' play ; it is no mere relaxation of study. I 
see not how any man who feels himself called of God to that work, 
and assumes the care of this people to himself, can retain a good 
conscience and not work, work hard and work incessantly while 
in the jungle. He must be exposed to the sun by day, and, at 
times, to the dews of the night ; he must go sometimes in his 
boat, sometimes upon his elephant, and often on foot. Circum- 
stances compel all this. He has no alternative but to do this, or 
else to leave the work undone. The work is about him, presses 
itself upon him, and if he cannot do it, he should at once resign 
his place to some one who can and will do it. 

At the close of the first year of the " Karen Normal 
School," Mrs. Binney, to save Mr. Binney's time, wrote 
a report of it to the Foreign Secretary. Some extracts 
of the report will give more fully the reasons for its 
establishment. 

It was deemed important to keep the Theological School in 
session during the dry as well as the rainy season. The Karens, 
though anxious and willing to come during the rains, have 
always manifested a great impatience of remaining a day after 
the Monsoons had broken up. They have well been called "the 
jungle-loving Karens." Some difficulty, therefore, was anticipated 
and felt in keeping the school together. Particularly were the 
young men's wives averse to remaining, and we felt it extremely 
important to secure their influence on the right side. It was 
thought, if a select school of children could be kept up during 
the year, the women would feel more at home, and, therefore, be 
willing; to remain. 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAULMAIN. 209 

Again, the habits of these adults were fixed, and although we 
have never deemed it advisable to Europeanize these people, yet 
it was felt that Christianity should influence them to habits of in- 
dustry and cleanliness. Few, however, — perhaps no one who has 
never made the attempt to improve a people similarly situated, — 
could imagine the difficulties we met in our first efforts. How- 
ever much they might approve of any course, their national cus- 
tom afforded an unanswerable argument against its acceptance. 
We found it hard to overcome their indolence, as they could not 
see the necessity of doing what Karens had never done. Many 
things which we deemed desirable and practicable they deemed 
impossible. We had no precedent among their own people to 
plead. Of course, compulsion does not comport with the office 
of a missionary, nor does it suit his policy, for we should proba- 
bly have been left without pupils. It seemed, therefore, to Mr. 
Binney to be greatly to the interest of the Theological School, to 
establish such a school as this on the same compound. The 
children are easily influenced. To secure our approbation is 
usually a sufficient motive to influence them to almost anything 
we might wish. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but 
usually Karen children are extremely improvable. It was 
thought that the example of these children, in a course of train- 
ing and improvement, would prove a more powerful stimulus, 
and accomplish more for the adults, than any direct effort we 
might make for them. In this we have not been disappointed. 
Seeing these children always dressed cleanly and tidily, with the 
knowledge that the labor was performed by themselves, made 
the women quite ashamed of their untidy appearance, and a 
change was soon visible, not only in their own persons, but in 
their little children, and even in their husbands. The influence 
was felt by the very men who, a few months before, had thought 
any attention to these matters quite unnecessary for Karens. 
During the last few months the improvement of the adults has 
been quite as great as the children's, and has followed closely in 
their wake. They have not only kept their persons and houses 
cleaner than formerly, but have been more cheerful in their 
hours of labor and study. The example of the children in 



2IO TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA IT. 

abandoning the chewing of the betel nut is also beginning to 
be felt by them. This is a custom, not only of the Karens, but 
also of all the natives of this country. It is, however, a filthy 
habit, and universally admitted to be injurious to health, and 
actually often costs Karens more than the rice they eat. No 
pupil in the Normal School chews it, neither do any seem to 
desire it after a few days' abstinence. 

Another reason, and perhaps the one why we deemed such a 
school desirable, was, that if we ever have any well educated 
Karens, we must begin with them young, and keep them with us 
till the object is in some good degree accomplished. The books 
in Karen are yet so few and so elementary, that for many years 
to come we cannot look for a thorough education, except through 
the medium of English. This is not a small work for the natives 
of this country, and not to be accomplished unless it be begun in 
childhood. We hope, however, there will be a few in this school 
who will not only master the English language, but be able to 
read the Bible in the original, and judge for themselves of the 
correctness of their translations. We hope, also, that some of the 
children will, at no distant day, be able to add to the literature of 
their nation. Others who may not desire to pursue so thorough 
a course, may be qualified to become successful and respectable 
mechanics and agriculturists, and thus lead the way in the civili- 
zation of this already Christian people. 

It is not designed to educate persons who are thus to become only 
the more capable of defending infidelity, but Christian children, 
who are already hopefully converted, or concerning whom we 
have as much hope as concerning any equal number of children 
in America, perhaps more, as no Karen Christian has yet had 
children grown up without being converted. Karen Christians 
expect their children to be converted, and labor and pray for it, 
with an earnestness which might make Christians in more 
favored lands blush. 

No further extracts will be made from this report, ex- 
cept to show the character of the lad Gnahpoo, who was 
the germ from which sprang the Karen Normal School 



ED UCA TIONA L WORK IN MA UL MA IN 211 

of Maulmain, the beginning of "Higher Education" 
for the natives of Burmah. He was in every respect 
so promising that by his own earnest request he re- 
ceived an English name, and was called Everett Patti- 
son. He dated his first serious convictions, and his 
fleeing to Christ as the true Ark of Refuge from im- 
pending doom, to the reading by the Mamma, in a very 
imperfect manner ; when she first went to Chet-things-ville, 
one of Todd's "Lectures to Children," translated by 
Mrs. Vinton. On that very occasion, when trying to 
explain a little more fully than the lecture had done how 
Christ was to the sinner what Noah's ark was to those 
who fled to it from the coming flood, she had been 
quite discouraged, and felt it would be utterly impossible 
for her ever in that foreign tongue to do much good. 
Even then, as appeared in after years, the Spirit was 
blessing those imperfect efforts, not only to the saving 
of some souls, but the soul of one who was to be a rich 
blessing to his people. 

Five of these children have been baptized ; two since they 
came into the school. Of others we have strong hopes. One of 
the boys, Everett Pattison, has often been the subject of very 
serious impressions ; twice he has been on the point of asking for 
baptism. Last year, about the time Mr. Binney's pupils were 
returning to Burmah Proper, he expressed a wish to be baptized. 
He was rejoicing in hope, but having listened to the instructions 
given by Mr. Binney to his class as to their duty, should they 
meet with persecution, — as there was every reason to suppose 
they would, — he seemed distrustful of his own heart and did not 
venture to go forward. He admitted that they were the instruc- 
tions given to the early disciples, but feared, were he put to the 
test, he should love his own life better than his Saviour. How 



2 I 2 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

differently did these instructions appear to these young men and 
to this lad, who felt they might be practically applied at any 
time, to those receiving the same instructions in our own country ! 
Mr. Binney dared not even now lower the conditions, and no one 
could judge of his own heart so well as himself. A few weeks 
afterwards he came into Mr. Binney's study on a Sunday morn- 
ing and, with great solemnity of manner, said : 

"Teacher, will you baptize me to day? I do believe I love 
Jesus so much that, if called upon to suffer for his name, I should 
not deny him. I am willing to take the solemn vows upon me, 
trusting alone in him for strength for every trial." 

The great event of interest this year was the ordina- 
tion of four of Mr. Binney's first pupils. The Ordaining 
Committee, or Council, was composed of all the mis- 
sionaries, Burman and Karen, within a convenient dis- 
tance, with the leading men, preachers, and deacons of 
the churches. The ordination services were not unlike 
those on such occasions at home, but it will be ima- 
gined that in solemnity and intensity of feeling it would 
seldom be equalled in our own native land. Under date 
of March, 1849, Mr. Binney reports: 

The close of this term was a time of deep interest to all. The 
four pupils composing the first class were about to leave us, 
and go forth as ministers of Christ. They were among the first 
placed under my care, they were selected from the others and 
formed into a class by themselves, because they were among the 
few, who, it was supposed, might be safely trusted with power to 
administer the ordinances. Two were from this vicinity and 
two from Rangoon. They are all acceptable preachers. 

Pra-hai has powers which would do honor to many of our 
pupils at home. He is perfectly self-possessed and graceful in 
his manner, has a good voice, clear in the conception of his 
thoughts and equally so in his mode of presenting them to 
others ; his peculiarity is, he preaches with great point and 



ED UCA TIONAL WORK IN MA ULMA IN. 2 I 3 

power to the heart and conscience. He never beats the air, 
and seldom selects a subject too deep for his abilities and the 
object sought; he is also a strict disciplinarian, willing to place 
himself under necessary discipline or restraint, and ready to 
•discipline others if necessary. 

Ky-ah-pah has an active, discriminating mind, and is very am- 
bitious ; were he in college at home, he would be satisfied with 
nothing short of the valedictory ; he is greedy of knowledge, 
and has a happy tact in communicating it to others. Though 
he knows more and has more mental power than any Karen I 
have seen, his active independent mind has given me some 
anxiety ; but he has grown so much in the graces of the heart 
within two years ; has manifested so deep an interest in the wel- 
fare of the churches ; is withal so conscious of how little he really 
knows, that I cannot but think in his own improvement, and in 
many duties and responsibilities which he will meet in the vicinity 
of Rangoon, he will find ample scope for all his mental activity. 

Au-paw is within a few days of Ky-ah-pah, and they are ex- 
pected to work together. They love, and have great confidence 
in, each other ; they are opposites in every respect. Au-paw is 
very deliberate in all his thoughts and actions, careful how he 
commits himself, yet independent when once his opinion is 
formed ; he has been tried in the furnace of affliction and found 
to be pure gold. 

Ta-hoo is to be numbered among the elders ; he is one of the 
earliest disciples in this vicinity ; has a good mind, though rather 
slow; and what he knows, he teaches with good effect. He has 
too much attachment to the simple gospel as he first learned it 
ever to go astray ; his deportment is such that he cannot fail to 
commend the gospel to his fellow-men ; he will, doubtless, do well 
in the discipline of the church." . 

It is interesting, after a lapse of thirty-two years, to 
compare this account, once the predictions of their fu- 
ture course, with the actual course taken ; to see how 
Mr. Binn?y's clear perception of character, which was 



2 I 4 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

rarely at fault, enabled him to state what, with a change 
of tenses, would now be their history. In transcribing 
Mr. Binney's account of Pra-hai, it occurs to the writer 
that the Karens called him "Teacher Binney the Se- 
cond," and that Mr. Vinton once said to Mr. Binney, " I 
do not think Pra-hai an imitator, but; so far as the dif- 
ference of circumstances will allow, he is your fac-sim- 
ile." He has all these years quietly pursued the even 
tenor of his way, never swerving to the right or left, 
and will doubtless be loyal to the Master to the end. 

Ky-ah-pah, concerning whom Mr. Binney expresses 
some anxiety, became impatient of restraint, would not 
listen to his meek and loving friend Au-paw, but though 
he thought he was strong, he fell, was deposed from the 
ministry, and brought great grief to those who loved 
him, especially to those who loved the Master. Thanks 
to preserving mercy, his was a solitary case. 

Au-paw was called to suffer great persecution, and 
probably died a victim to its effects, but his faith never 
failed. 

Ta-hoo still preaches. Old and quite blind, he quotes 
the Bible, chapter and verse, calls sinners to repentance, 
and doubtless will preach on, till the warning voice and 
tender accents of entreaty are exchanged for the victor's 
triumphal shout of praise. 

Thus trials and mercies were mingled. Each year 
marked increased progress in his schools. He looked 
upon the Normal School as almost indispensable to the 
full development of the other. He went into the jungle, 
visited the churches, and did what he could for several 
years ; but each year the time was shortened, and finally 



E D UCA TIONA L WORK IN MA UL MA IN 2 I 5 

he was obliged to give all his time to his work in town. 
On Mr. Vinton's return to America, he gave back the 
oversight of assistants, and everything else that he did 
not deem his legitimate work. The division between 
North and South in missionary organization had taken 
place, and this cut him off in a great degree from the 
sympathy and co-operation of his Savannah friends. 
They had promised, and he had expected, much of both. 
This, to a mind like his, was very depressing. Not that 
they loved their pastor less, but Burmah was the field 
which fell to the lot of the Missionary Union to culti- 
vate, and the South needed their help. The Missionary 
Union also during those years was greatly embarrassed, 
and ''demands for retrenchment" were "the order of the 
day." The Maulmain Missionary Society and personal 
friends, however, kept the work from being entirely aban- 
doned. Again, some of the missionaries themselves had 
become very anxious for a division of the business and 
responsibilities of the two departments of the mission, 
which had hitherto been one; most of the Karen mission- 
aries felt the time had come for a separation. The Bur- 
mese missionaries mostly thought it unnecessary, and op- 
posed it. Mr. Binney approved of the division, and united 
with his brethren in requesting it. When the Board 
replied by asking the Karen missionaries to reconsider 
their request, he wrote an exhaustive letter, which, after 
being read to his brethren, was sent to the Board. The 
most important reason given was that " as there was 
considerable difference of opinion as to what was appro- 
priate mission work, he thought it better, for both de- 
partments, that each be responsible for its own work.'' 
19 



2 I 6 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Others, especially Mr. Ingalls, of the Burman, and Mr. 
Mason, of the Karen Mission, wrote about the same 
time, urging the importance of giving the preaching of 
the gospel to the people greater prominence, and asking 
for a man to be sent for the special work of preaching 
to the Burmans, as those on the ground were not at 
leisure to give themselves wholly, or to any great extent, 
to this work. Mr. Binney took great pains to state that 
he found no fault with any man or class of men, but 
adds : 

I do not think it necessary for me to explain to you my 
views of education. Surely I am not opposed to the most 
vigorous system of education for Christians and their families, 
but I cannot think such an amount of labor and funds should 
be expended with so small a number of converts, while there 
is so little preaching to sinners. ^ 

Such a decision would be more likely to secure to both de- 
partments the benefit of mutual counsel and advice as Christian 
brethren and ministers. In the present state of things, if one be 
opposed to the wishes or measures of another, the other at once 
supposes it is an opposition which will be enforced by a vote, 
and there is an end to all influence of one upon the other. But 
let the fear of that vote, with its power over the wishes, be re- 
moved, and I cannot but think that Christian ministers bending 
under the weight of their own responsibility will gladly obtain 
light and counsel wherever they can find it. 

* It is due alike to Dr. Binney and his brethren to state that his views of 
that part of the educational work done in Maulmain, concerning which 
there was the greatest diversity of opinion, known as Mr. Howard's School, 
were considerably modified in later years by its results ; and though he con- 
tinued to feel that preaching received a disproportionate share of labor and 
expense, he was free to acknowledge to those to whom it was still in his 
power to admit it, that he had placed too low an estimate upon the im- 
portance of this work. 



ED UCA TIO IV A L WOR K IN MA UL MA IN. 2 I 7 

The division was finally accomplished, but not with- 
out some friction and mutual misunderstandings among 
men with the same desires and singleness of purpose in 
bringing them to pass. As has been stated, the breth- 
ren were earnest in this matter. " More preaching," 
was the rallying cry, and the ball Mr. Binney first set in 
motion gathered size and momentum, till it well-nigh 
crushed his own work. His own views were clear, and 
clearly defined, but he was an educator. Therefore, in 
the minds of many, he must give education the first 
place in mission work ; he must even deem it a means 
of evangelizing, while, in fact, he would not educate at 
all until evangelized. Even men who were regular at- 
tendants at the Board meetings placed him on the 
wrong side. This misunderstanding was hard to live 
down ; he took no other measures, however, to set him- 
self right ; the work was done, and he was satisfied. In 
his own mind, the relation of preaching to education 
seemed so natural and simple, he could not think him- 
self misunderstood where there was a real desire to 
understand him. 

Soon after this division, the Karen missionaries at 
Maulmain put into Mr. Binney's hands a communica- 
tion, which embodied their view of the measure for the 
relief of the pressing wants of the mission. The fol- 
lowing extract will show their feelings towards him and 
indicate what they desired to have done in the hour of 
their pressing and painful need. 

We have selected you, dear brother, to carry into execution 
our plans ; not because we can spare you best — we could dis- 
pense with the labors and influence of any other man in the 



2l8 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BLRMAH. 

Mission at a less sacrifice — but because you are the only man 
among us that we believe able to execute them. The greatest 
compliment, then, which we can offer you, is your election to 
this special mission, and we will offer you no inferior one. 

We propose to you that with the least practicable delay you 
return to America to obtain all adequate supplies for the Karen 
Mission, at the following minimum estimate : For Tavoy, two 
mission families, one of whom shall be principally devoted to 
the Pwos. For Sandoway, two missionaries, one to be princi- 
pally devoted to the Pwos. For Maulmain, three missionaries, 
two of whom shall be principally devoted to the Pwos, but all 
to pledge themselves to study both dialects. 

Mr. Binney was expected by this plan to do every 
thing in his power to secure from this country the 
needed help. He did not, however, think it best to ac- 
cept the mission proposed to him. At the same time 
he deeply sympathized with his brethren in their deep 
anxiety, as a letter written to Dr Peck fully shows. 

This letter was written soon after Mr. Bullard's death. 
Mr. Binney heard from a messenger, dispatched for the 
purpose, that he had an attack of Asiatic cholera, and 
hastened to his bedside. He was just in time to take 
his hand, already cold in death, but still able to return 
an affectionate pressure ; to pray with him a moment 
while still holding it ; and then Mr. Bullard's work on 
earth was done. They had come out together, under- 
stood each other, and were working together to bring 
the Pwo and Sgau Missions into closer relations, es- 
pecially in their educational work. Mr. Binney had 
very earnestly desired to see this accomplished, and, be- 
sides his personal grief, he felt that the Mission had 
sustained an irreparable loss. He writes as follows : 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAUL MAIN. 219 

My Dear Brother Peck : — I fully intended to write you 
by this mail something more definite respecting our educational 
matters ; but alas ! what are plans when there are no men to exe- 
cute ? Our dear brother Bullard is no more with us. No man 
but a Karen missionary in Maulmain can estimate the loss which 
the Karen Mission has sustained. My feelings when I closed 
his eyes in death cannot be described. It was one of the few 
instances since I became a disciple of Christ in which my heart 
plainly rebelled against God. I felt that it could not, must not 
be. But it was momentary — the thought that God reigns, some- 
what relieved a burdened heart. But this, in connection with 
sick Karens to look after, together with three attacks myself of 
bowel complaint within a week, one of which had every symp- 
tom of cholera, was far from preparing me to receive the intelli- 
gence that we must also retrench for want of funds. 

My own school is full of promise ; and though I am feeling 
far from well, I long to plunge into the active duties of the next 
term, which commences in a few days, to drown the thoughts and 
feelings originated by the state of the Mission. I love my pupils 
and work, but this load upon the heart who can bear! Brethren 
Abbott, Brayton, and Mason are away. Brother Bullard has 
taken a final leave, and then, as though this were not enough, 
we have not means to keep up what little is left to work upon. 

I hope our brethren at home will not talk of the mysterious- 
ness of Providence. There is no mystery which men and means 
rightly appropriated would not remove. 

As ever affectionately your brother, J. G. Binney. 

Newton, Maulmain, April 21, 1847. 

Notwithstanding the order for further retrenchment, 
the missionaries acquiesced in Mr. Binney's proposal to 
go on with their work, conducting everything according 
to the most rigid economy, and assuming the responsi- 
bility themselves. Thus, for that year, no part of the 
work was abandoned. The next year Mr. Binney writes 
the Foreign Secretary again : 

19* 



2 20 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Dear Brother: The Karen missionaries of the Maulmain 
Station held a meeting last Friday afternoon, which will not 
soon pass from the memory of those upon whom devolved the 
responsibility of voting. The Secretary laid before the meeting 
a statement of the pecuniary embarrassments of the department. 
It appeared from your last letter to the Secretary of the Maul- 
main Mission, that we are to regulate our expenditures for the 
year 1848 according to the reduced rates allowed us last year. 

Then followed a statement of the amount allowed for 
each department, and the lowest estimate of what was 
needed to carry on the work which must be done if the 
mission be sustained at all. 

The question now arose, "What shall we do?" We cannot 
assume the responsibilities as we did last year, when there re- 
mained some little ground of hope that the few remaining sup- 
porters of missions in this country would help us ; and by their 
kind aid, together with the providence of God, which reduced 
some of our liabilities, we were relieved. It would be rashness 
to rely upon that aid another year : those friends have left the 
place. Besides, it is impossible for three or four men to assume 
the responsibilities for any length of time, which the American 
Baptist Missionary Union declines. Under these embarrassing 
circumstances, there was much said with perfect unanimity of 
opinion and feeling; but no one was willing to make a motion. 
Mr. Binney then stated, that he considered himself here the ser- 
vant of an Executive Committee; that his business was not to 
provide funds, but judiciously and faithfully to use such as were 
committed to him ; that considering what he was about to do as 
the necessity of circumstances in which the Executive Committee 
placed him, he felt relieved of all accountableness in the case. 
After this statement, he moved, first, that the Sgau Karen board- 
ing-school be dismissed, and the pupils assisted, as far as funds 
will allow, to return to Burmah Proper. A dead silence ensued, 
no one would second, the motion, and it was lost. He then 
moved that one-third of the Karen assistants in Burmah Proper, 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAUL MA IN. 22 1 

and one-fourth of all the other Karen assistants of this station 
be dismissed. Again a dead silence followed; no one would 
second the motion, and it was lost. He then moved, thirdly, 
.that the amount allowed to the Theological Seminary be reduced 
to five hundred rupees, and that the number of pupils and period 
of study be adjusted to that amount. This motion was also lost, 
like the previous ones. Respecting the Normal School, there 
was a full expression of confidence and deep interest, and the 
conviction that nowhere would retrenchment for the year be 
more seriously felt; no one would move to reduce the amount 
for its support. The question then returned, What is to be done ? 
After much further deliberation, it was finally proposed ; and, 
because we could do nothing else, it was resolved, — 

1. That we will conduct our operations as economically as 
may consist with the existence of the various departments of the 
Karen Mission; that we will hold ourselves jointly responsible 
to pay any balance that may remain against the Karen Depart- 
ment at the close of the year; and that we earnestly request the 
Executive Committee to make an additional appropriation, suffi- 
cient to cover the expenses of the year. 

2. That should the Executive Committee feel themselves 
compelled to withhold from us their support, we do respectfully 
request that they will at once call us home, as we are useless 
here if deprived of the means of working with and for the 
people. 

Other remarks follow, and the letter closes by saying : 

We have thus given you a simple record of the doings of the 
meeting as the best, and indeed the only, appeal we can make 
in the case. That we may not be misunderstood, however, we 
will state respecting the second of the above resolutions, that it 
is not a hasty act. By a reference to the letters long since sent 
to the Secretary it will be seen that we have fully represented 
that the operations of the Karen Mission had been so trammelled, 
that the work had ceased to progress. It is no longer a matter 
of opinion ; many retrograde steps are already taken ; your Mis- 
sion as a whole is fast sinking ; and the course now being pur- 



22 2 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

sued must inevitably ruin it, unless God, in his sovereign plea- 
sure, does for it what we have no right to anticipate. We are 
your missionaries ; and we wish, in all fidelity, to perform our 
duties to you ; but we are first of all ministers of Christ, and we 
must perform our duties to him; we are missionaries to the Ka- 
rens, and owe somewhat to their souls; we do not mean to for- 
sake them. We are assured that if the Baptist Denomination 
say, they cannot support this Mission, God will put it into the 
hearts of others to do what the Baptists decline. We are Bap- 
tists, and whole-hearted Baptists ; but we are first, and above all 
Christians, and if our own denomination will not reap this field 
already white to harvest, we most earnestly desire to get out of 
the way, in order that others may be permitted to do it. With 
the assurance that we are most anxious to co-operate with you 
and to abide by your desires so far as we can do so with a good 
conscience, we remain affectionately 

Yours in the Gospel. 

With all these discouragements, Mr. Binney had 
abundant evidence that the Lord was blessing his work, 
neither had he the most distant thought of ever leaving 
it, till called to his final rest. But God's ways were not 
his ways. Mrs. Binney's physician, most unexpectedly 
to her and him, urged the necessity of his taking her 
"home" without delay. The brethren of the Mission, 
at a meeting called for the purpose, united in the re- 
quest ; and Dr. Judson, then very ill, and about to em- 
bark for the Isle of Bourbon in pursuit of relief from 
suffering which he had little prospect of obtaining, ad- 
vised him not to wait till it was too late ; the rainy sea- 
son was close at hand, and there was no time for delay. 
Miss Wright had just come out from America to assist 
in the Normal School, and Miss Vinton, already in 
charge, would remain with her. This relieved him of 



EDUCATIONAL WORK IN MAUL MA IN. 223 

anxiety as to the Normal School. He wrote to Mr. 
Beecher, then at Sandoway, to come to the Theological 
School ; there was not time to wait for a reply, but Mr. 
Harris consented to take charge till Mr. Beecher should 
come ; and so, with only a few days' preparation, they 
left their loved work and took passage on board an 
English sailing vessel for London, just six years from 
the time of their arrival in Burmah. 

Eighteen months before, Mrs. Binney wrote to her 
brother : 



As you see by the date of this letter I have entered on my 
fortieth year ; and yesterday was the fifteenth anniversary of 
my marriage ; can you think of your "little sister" as being 
so very old ? Yesterday, Joseph and I were reviewing the past ; 
we have little time for reviews now ; the present so engrosses 
us that we almost fulfil the injunction to " forget the things 
that are behind ;" up to the time of our coming to this coun- 
try, you knew my past, a part of it at least, better than I do 
myself; and if you knew our experience here, you would say 
I am sure, as my dear husband did yesterday, "Goodness and 
mercy still follow us in a very remarkable degree." Every- 
where, as you know, but here more than before we came, we 
have been and are all and in all to each other. I receive all the 
tender love as well as all the confidence and respect that my 
heart desires, and we are both happy. You hardly need to 
have me say this ; but while I am so far from you, I know you 
will let me say it now and then, if I like to do so. Joseph, I 
can see, is a little anxious about my health. I am not. I did 
not expect to live many years when I came to this country, 
and I remember our precious mother, when I was trying to 
hide her grey hairs by brushing them under, used to tell me 
that I would never be troubled in that way. My husband 
said yesterday, that if on leaving his Church in Savannah, he 
could have known that he would only live long enough to 



2 24 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN BUR MA II. 

accomplish what the Lord has permitted us to do here, he 
would not have hesitated a moment. Do not be alarmed, lest 
if I grow worse, I should go home. We have not the most 
distant idea of ever seeing your dear face again, though I 
would give anything short of sacrificing conscientious convic- 
tions to do so. May the Lord deal as tenderly by you and 
yours as he does by us." 

But when physicians and friends advised Mrs. Bin- 
ney's immediate return, she for once was not consulted, 
but loving hearts and skilful hands planned and pre- 
pared all that was necessary for her comfort. 



s 



CHAPTER XIII. 

ON THE SHIPS SUTLEJ AND ARAB. 

185O. 

O quietly and quickly had all necessary preparations 
been made, that Mrs. Binney, almost before she 
knew it, found herself on ship-board, and putting out to 
sea, bound for her native land via England. But an un- 
expected delay occurred. Under date of April 28th, 
1850, she writes : 

Having left our precious, consecrated home at Newton, on the 
22d inst., about ten o'clock, A. m., we immediately came on 
board and put our cabins in order, ready for sailing ; several of 
the dear Missionaries and others, as well as many of the Karens, 
including the pupils of both schools, accompanied us to the ship, 
to all of whom we were soon obliged to say, " farewell." It was 
very trying to us to leave our dear Everitt (Ghnapoo), he is such 
a noble, manly, Christian lad, and loves us as a son. The poor 
boy was almost heart-broken, and would gladly have left every- 
thing on earth to accompany us, but he is so favorably situated 
for acquiring some knowledge of medicine in the hospital at 
Maulmain, that we thought best to leave him there. The 
Steamer Proserpine towed us over the " flats," where we 
anchored just off Amherst, almost in sight of our precious 
home. There we were obliged to remain six days, whilst 
the captain returned to town to attend to some business 
which he could not complete before we left. As we were 
hourly expecting his return, we were obliged to remain on 
board. We found our patience sadly tried ; the weather was 

225 



2 26 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

very hot, and the motion of the ship much worse than if we had 
been under sail. I was so exceedingly weak when we came on 
board that I could not sit up much, and the heat and sea-sick- 
ness made me too ill to write a line till to-day. Almost every 
night we have had severe thunder and lightning, with high wind 
and heavy showers. It made us very sad, too, to think that we 
might not only have been spared so much discomfort, but that 
the time might have been spent with the dear Karens, several 
companies of whom came down to see us after we left, as our 
letters informed us. Six precious days in which to have coun- 
selled, instructed, and comforted them, to have united with them 
in prayer for each other, have seemingly been lost ; still we com- 
forted ourselves with the thought that even this, as dear husband 
said last night, was included in the "all things" which would 
work together for their and our good. Our season of labor 
among them for the present, at least, is past, and it is a very 
solemn thought. 

About daylight this morning we weighed anchor, and with a 
light breeze, are leaving sight of land, and, though I cannot yet 
realize it, are actually on our way to the land of our birth, of be- 
loved relatives and friends, of tenderest ties and associations, to 
which nearly seven years ago we bade adieu, as we then thought, 
for ever. I had not at that time the most distant idea of ever 
returning, and should have thought it sinful to cherish such an 
idea had it been suggested. But I believe we have committed 
our way unto the Lord, and he has directed our steps : it may 
indeed have been our last adieu. We may, one or both of us, 
find our last resting place in this never resting ocean on which 
we have embarked. God grant us preparation of heart for all 
his will, whether it be for soon meeting him in sudden death, for 
prostration by sickness, or a faithful discharge of the active 
duties of life in the new scenes before us. 

We have a fine ship of six hundred and fifty tons ; in all 
twenty souls on board, but only one passenger besides ourselves, 
Mr. D., a young officer in the Honorable East India Company's 
service. With the captain, first mate, and three passengers, we 
are five at table. 



ON THE SHIPS SVTLEJ AND ARAB. 22*] 

As soon as the ship was fairly out to sea, and all 
things comfortably arranged, Mr. Binney proposed a 
blessing at the table and religious services on the Lord's 
Day, to which the Captain most cheerfully assented. 
As any one knowing Mr. Binney would expect, these 
services were not a mere form ; he felt that he had as 
truly a mission to perform as when among the Karens. 
He maintained the strictest regard to his relation to the 
officers of the ship and his fellow-passengers, but he la- 
bored for, and expected, "souls for his hire." 

There were one or two Christian men among the 
sailors, who were roused to a sense of their duty, and 
helped by their prayers and personal conversation. At 
times the captain and officers seemed deeply impressed, 
but Mr. D., was determined not to be influenced by a 
missionary. He became really insulting. Mrs. Binney's 
journal, from which the history of the voyage is con- 
densed, records his walking overhead with heavy boots 
during prayer, stamping on the deck when he knew 
they were sleeping at midnight, laughing aloud in time 
of prayer, sitting up to a late hour smoking just in front 
of their cabin. One marvels at the forbearance which 
rendered such conduct possible. The Captain at first 
seemed greatly annoyed, but finally probably thought it 
to be for his interest to take sides with Mr. D. 

But at length other trials brought matters to a crisis. 
The ship had been well furnished with provisions, but 
there was no proper steward to look after them ; every 
thing had been used lavishly, and carelessly exposed to 
the monkeys, kids, and goats on board. About the 
time when the ship reached the Cape of Good Hope 

20 



2 28 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

there was no tea or sugar left, the flour had become 
mouldy, and the rice even worse. Everything that could 
be killed had been used to supply the call for fresh meat, 
and the case was becoming alarming. Salt junk and 
seamen's bread, that was not fit for them to eat, was all 
the food left. Head winds were encountered at the 
Cape, so that fifteen days were spent in the effort to 
round it. 

During the first ten days of this time, the ship was a 
pandemonium. All on board apparently began drink- 
ing to excess ; the Captain's stores of liquor had become 
low, but Mr. D., had a good supply left. Finally, one 
evening, while Mr. D., was using very obscene language, 
Mr. Binney reminded him that there was a lady within 
hearing. This very proper remark highly incensed Mr. 
D. He immediately went to his cabin, and in a moment 
came out with a drawn sword, rushed upon deck like a 
mad-man, threatening Mr. Binney's life and pursuing 
him in every direction. Mr. Binney called upon the 
Captain for protection; the men sprang forward ready to 
disarm him at the Captain's word ; but he refused, say- 
ing, " My business is to sail the ship ; settle your own 
quarrels." 

With difficulty Mr. Binney escaped, took refuge with 
Mrs. Binney in their own cabin, and secured the door. 
Mr. D., however, inserted his sword through the Vene- 
tian blinds, and remained for some time watching for an 
opportunity to make good his threats ; but finally re- 
tired to his berth, where he slept off his insanity by the 
side of his unsheathed sword. In the morning, finding 
himself in this perilous condition, he reproached the 



ON THE SHIPS SUTLEJ AND ARAB. 229 

Captain for allowing him the use of the sword while in 
such a state. 

On leaving the cabin, Mr. Binney told his wife, that 
he thought she might banish fear, as he felt pretty sure 
that whoever was the nominal Captain, he himself would 
now be heard and regarded. He went boldly up on 
deck, and as Mr. D., came up offered his hand, saying, 
" Good morning, Mr. D." It was refused with the reply 
" Have you forgotten the insult of last evening to an 
English Officer, Mr. Binney ?" " Come, come, Mr. D., 
this has gone far enough ; walk with me," and drawing 
his arm by a gentle force within his own, they walked 
the deck for more than an hour. Soon after, Mr. D., 
came to Mrs. Binney, who was sitting below at the door 
of her cabin, offered her his hand, and when she took 
it, burst into tears, saying, " Mr. Binney said you would, 
but I could not believe you would touch my hand." She 
had little opportunity to speak, as he had himself a 
great deal to say. He pledged himself there and then 
to touch no intoxicating drinks till he reached his 
father's house in England; and said that if he had had 
any one to talk to him while in Burmah, as Mr. Binney 
had done now, he need never have been sent home for 
his health. From that moment Mrs. Binney had a 
charge. To read with, talk to, interest, and keep him 
from other influences was not a small task for an in- 
valid. She had earnestly asked the Lord to give her 
some work for him on board the ship, but did not 
dream of the way in which her prayer was to be an- 
swered. But the Captain's anger was aroused. He had 
sacrificed a great deal to keep on good terms with the 



23O TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

young military officer, and now, he had lost not only 
the respect of others in doing it, but even that of the 
young gentleman himself; he urged him to drink 
" moderately" and brought ridicule to bear upon him. 
Mr. D., was weak, and as yet there was little evidence 
that he had sought strength from above, but he was 
seriously alarmed for himself, and leaning on a human 
arm. The mate had acknowledged to Mr. Binney, that 
one night there was no one sober enough on board to 
manage the ship, and seeing their danger, he had 
pledged himself to drink nothing intoxicating during 
the remainder of the voyage. 

On the second morning after the talk with Mr. D., 
Mr. Binney met the Captain on deck, and said pleasantly 
but seriously, 

" Good morning Captain, I had a walk with Mr. D., 
the other morning, which I think has done him good. 
I am anxious for a little conversation with you, and 
that it may not attract attention will you join me in my 
morning walk ?" 

" No, sir, I want no preaching, and will not hear it ; if 
you have anything to say to me, we will have wit- 
nesses." 

To this Mr. Binney gladly assented. The chief mate 
and Mr. D., were called, and one or two seamen lingered 
near. Mr. Binney then rehearsed without interruption, 
the story of the voyage, acknowledging all that had 
been kind and good, of which there had been much, 
but showing him that he had neglected the proper care 
of his provisions till we were almost starving; that he 
used wine, beer, and even brandy to a degree that few 



ON THE SHIPS SUTLEJ AND ARAB. 23 I 

men could bear without being intoxicated, and that he 
had nearly been so more than once ; that he himself had 
no protection when life was in danger ; and that he allowed 
or caused animals such as monkeys, and a young bear 
to be so teased and tortured, that neither his wife nor he 
could stay on deck to witness it, though they could not 
escape the cries of the poor creatures. All this was 
done, he thought, to spite him for faithful performance 
of duty. He had now gone so far, that he was sure of 
being able to take the ship from him by reporting him 
to the proper authorities at St. Helena. This he said 
he was resolved to do, unless there was a decided 
change in his conduct. He showed him at the same 
time from " The Marine Laws of Great Britain," which 
he held in his hand, how completely he had forfeited 
his right to the ship. 

A wonderful change was effected. Mr. Binney was 
really the master on board, and though he treated every 
one with studied respect, his wishes were consulted on 
every occasion. The poor little monkeys and all the 
animals, with an instinct which was wonderful to see, 
seemed to recognize him as their benefactor. Though 
he never petted them much, they would follow him 
about and walk the deck by his side continually, ready 
to lie down by him when he should be seated. 

Fortunately, the reformation which had been effected 
was not long tried ; the wind proved favorable, the Cape 
was rounded, and the trade winds took the ship without 
further trouble into the beautiful harbor of St. Helena. 
Seventy vessels of different descriptions went in about 
the same time, all more or less disabled, by the gales 

20* 



232 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

which they had encountered, except the " Sutlej " and the 
American ship "Arab." On arrival, the Captain kindly 
took Mr. Binney to the American Consul, the venera- 
ble Mr. Carrol, who at once invited him, with Mrs. Bin- 
ney, to make his house their home while they stayed at 
St Helena. Here, with Mr. Carrol and his two ac- 
complished and amiable daughters, they found rest and 
a home indeed. Here they also were greeted by Mr. 
Wells, who had come out nearly seven years before with 
them in the ship " Charles " as supercargo. He was now 
one of the owners of the " Arab," in which he was re- 
turning, with his lovely young sister from Calcutta. 
He introduced his old friends to the Captain of his ship, 
and arrangements were soon made for their return in 
the " Arab ;" and in order to make it comfortable for 
them Mr. Wells gave up his own cabin. There was an- 
other fine large ship in harbor, and Mr. Binney being 
very reluctant to subject Mr. Wells, whose health was a 
good deal impaired by his residence in Calcutta, to so 
great discomfort, applied to the Captain for a passage. 
He said he had several vacant cabins, and wanted pas- 
sengers, but would not take Missionaries at any price. 
The next day he dined at Mr. Carrol's, with the Captain 
of the "Sutlej," who spoke of his former passengers in 
such high terms, that he offered to take them at a mere 
nominal price; but their friends of the "Arab" would 
not give them up, and so three days after landing at St. 
Helena, on the morning of September 2d, they were 
on their way to Boston, under very favorable circum- 
stances. 

The two or three days at St. Helena were full of in- 



ON THE SHIPS SUTLEJ AND ARAB. 233 

terest. As soon as it was known that Mr. Binney was 
at Mr. Carrol's, Mr. Janish, the pastor pro-tern, of the 
little Baptist Church, called and requested him to preach 
for them at 7 P. M. It was then past mid-day, but the 
news spread, and the chapel was rilled with men and 
women hungry for the bread of life. At the close, 
almost the whole congregation pressed round him, ask- 
ing him to preach again the next evening, to which he 
gladly consented. It was with great difficulty that he 
was able to leave the island so soon. They were eager 
to have him stay with them till another good oppor- 
tunity for returning, recommending the salubrity and 
healthfulness of their " sea-girt isle," and assuring him, 
that his expenses would be duly met. Mr. Carrol 
joined in the request and offered a home ; but Mrs. 
Binney needed medical treatment, and they could not 
safely remain. 

When Mr. Binney went on board the " Sutlej " to bid 
the sailors " good-by," the warm, hearty " God bless 
you," " We shall always thank the Lord for this voy- 
age," " Pray for us," from many lips, seemed an abun- 
dant reward for all the discomforts and perils endured. 
While at St. Helena Mr. and Mrs. Binney were taken by 
a gentleman of the island, in his own carriage, to visit 
the house built for Napoleon, but which he never occu- 
pied, as he died before its completion ; also to see Na- 
poleon's tomb, then empty, his remains having been 
carried to France a short time before. They also visited 
the grave of Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, which possessed a 
far deeper and tenderer interest for them. It was in a 
sweet, quiet resting-place ; but seemed very lonely, so 



234 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 



far from all she had loved in either hemisphere; but her 
gentle spirit would doubtless have chosen it rather than 
the " rough ocean bed" in which Dr. Judson had now 
already been laid. Such were the thoughts expressed 
to each other ; so difficult is it to make the unseen the 
real. Their fellow passenger of the " Sutlej " kept with 
them everywhere while on the island, and. with a Bible 
as a parting gift, they left him with sincere regret, but 
not without hope that they would meet again with great 
joy. And here the record is gratefully made that a few 
years since, when last heard from, he was not only hon- 
orably discharging his duty as an officer in Her Ma- 
jesty's Service, but most loyally serving the " King of 
kings." 

The passage from St. Helena to Boston had few inci- 
dents to record. Everything was pleasant ; a small but 
airy cabin; a good table and willing assistants; the Cap- 
tain gentlemanly and kind ; the seamen competent and 
obedient; the discipline firm, but not obtrusive; passen- 
gers most agreeable, and the weather for the most of 
the way fine. Mr. Binney brought out his books and 
commenced his old way of employing his time at sea. 
He had not unpacked his books which he brought from 
Maulmain before ; and with the exception of some little 
reading aloud to his wife, sick and alone when he left 
her, he had no heart to read. Now he was happy. One 
very large element in causing the difference in the two 
parts of the passage, was that there was no intoxicating 
drink seen on board the "Arab." One Saturday morn- 
ing the Captain told the passengers they might make 
everything ready for landing in Boston the next morn- 



ON THE SHIPS SUTLEJ AND ARAB. 235 

ing. On retiring at night Mr. Binney remarked that he 
had never seen a ship in such perfect trim. The small sa- 
loon looked like a lady's best parlor, and all that scour- 
ing, painting, and "tidying up," could do, had been done. 
Before morning, however, all learned by a new experience 
that it was not well to " boast of to-morrow." A severe 
gale struck the vessel suddenly, the Captain put out to sea 
for safety, and a succession of head winds kept them 
there. There was confusion, sea-sickness, and a good 
deal of discomfort ; but though greatly disappointed, all 
were patient and thankful for preserving mercy. Twelve 
days later the little "Arab" came into Boston harbor 
safe and sound, looking as if she had never seen a gale. 
Friends were anxiously awaiting her arrival, and even 
Mrs. Binney's doubts as to whether they would meet 
with a warm "welcome home" soon vanished. The 
first greeting of the Foreign Secretary was, " This is 
most providential; we need you here, Mr. Binney;" and 
many afterwards echoed the sentiment. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 

1850-1855. 

AFTER a few weeks spent in Boston and vicinity, 
with Mr. Binney's relatives and friends, and with 
Dr. Pattison, then Professor in the Theological Semina- 
ry at Newton, they went to New York for medical ad- 
vice and treatment for Mrs. Binney. At the same time 
Mr. Binney spent two or three months in New York and 
Philadelphia laboring in behalf of the Foreign Mission 
cause. Their home while in New York was with the 
Rev. Edward Lathrop and family. Mr. Lathrop, now so 
well known as Rev. Dr. Lathrop, of Stamford, Connecti- 
cut, was a member of the Baptist Church, in Savannah, 
while Mr. Binney was its pastor, and although he was 
but a small part of the time in Savannah, they had been 
brought into close and tender relations, and it was 
pleasant to these two men of kindred spirit thus to 
meet again, though in new and quite different relations. 
The one was no longer a student struggling with diffi- 
culties, but a successful pastor of a large city church ; 
whilst the other had relinquished that prize, and, like 
his Master, had humbled himself and become poor, that 
others might, through him, become rich ; but the same 
236 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 237 

mind that was in Christ Jesus was in them both, and 
they were "mutual helpers of each other's joy." In 
Philadelphia, his home for a few weeks was in the 
.genial, hospitable family of the Rev. Dr. A. D. Gillette, 
then a pastor in the city. He had never met Dr. Gillette 
before, but a long acquaintance was not necessary to 
the formation of a friendship which was ever after- 
wards a source of great happiness to Mr. Binney. 

As the cold weather came on he found the ex- 
posure of preaching every Lord's Day in a new pul- 
pit, and often two or three times a day in different pul- 
pits, too trying for his throat, and was admonished that 
he might have to desist from public services altogether, 
unless he could preach under more favorable circum- 
stances. He therefore accepted an invitation from the 
E. St. Baptist Church at Washington, D. C, to supply 
their pulpit for a few months. As he was still hoping 
to return to Burmah, he would not have entertained any 
proposal for a permanent settlement. That winter in 
Washington was an exceedingly pleasant one to both 
Mr. and Mrs. Binney; the health of the latter was some- 
what improved, and Mr. Binney loved to preach to ap- 
preciative audiences, which he uniformly commanded. 
He formed that winter some pleasant acquaintances, 
which not only made him richer in personal friends, but 
exerted a decided influence upon his usefulness while 
in America, and subsequently in Burmah. J. S. Bacon, 
D. D., was then President of Columbian College, and he 
and his interesting family attended the E. St. Church. 
Most of the Faculty, with the students, attended also. 
Mr. Binney and Prof. Wm. Ruggles, LL. D., were 



238 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR M AH. 

thrown much together, and a warm, personal at- 
tachment was formed. Then commenced Dr. Rug- 
gles' deep interest in the Foreign Mission work, 
especially in the Educational part, as inaugurated among 
the Karens of Burmah. As is well known by all who 
have been interested in the details of that department of 
labor, he bestowed very liberal benefactions upon its 
various organizations so long as he lived. Other mem- 
bers of the Faculty became his admirers and friends, and 
were loved by him in return to the very close of life. 
Under date of March 12th, 185 1, Mr. Binney wrote 
from Washington the following letter to the Rev. S. 
Peck, D. D., Cor. Sec. of the A. B. M. Union: 

Dear Brother : — You have doubtless been expecting for 
some time to receive some intimation of our future course. 
Under other circumstances it would have been my duty 
long since to have written you, but I have not known what 
to say. At no period since I left Maulmain should I have been 
able to speak with much encouragement about our return to 
Burmah. The state of Mrs. Binney's health, which induced us 
to leave, has never allowed us much hope of returning. She 
has now been home sufficiently long to afford something of an 
indication of our future prospects, and though we hope she may, 
under favorable circumstances, live with some degree of comfort 
and usefulness, we cannot see that it would be duty for us to 
return. Her health is not essentially improved. She is some- 
what stronger so long as she makes little exertion, but the least 
excitement or fatigue prostrates her ; so we have at length de- 
cided that we ought not longer to think of resuming the work in 
Burmah. I wish, therefore, to ask that my relation to the Mission 
may be dissolved. I intend again to become a pastor so soon 
as God may open the way, in which relation I hope still to be 
useful to the cause of Foreign Missions. 

I think I need not say to you with what pain we have con- 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AXD SOUTH. 239 

templated leaving our labor for and with the Karens. Their 
mental and moral capabilities, their rapid improvement, and the 
blessing of God so richly resting on every consistent effort in 
their behalf, have been enough to repay any sacrifice ; and their 
grateful attention and devotion have bound them to us by ties 
not easily sundered. On the whole, however, our duty is plain. 
May God be gracious to them and make for them suitable pro- 
visions. 

In communicating this to the Executive Committee, please 
give them my best thanks for all their sympathy and co-opera- 
tion while in the Mission, and for their cordial welcome home 
again, with assurance that 

I am very truly yours and theirs, 

J. G. Binney. 

When this decision was known, the E. St. Church 
began to look to Mr. Binney as their future pastor. 
Most of the leading men, even those who had not been 
accustomed to act in concert, came to him expressing 
their desire that he would allow his name to be brought 
before the church, and a meeting was held unknown to 
him for the purpose. Through some misunderstanding 
the meeting was adjourned, and the subject of choosing 
a pastor not even mentioned. A day or two after, the 
fact came to his knowledge. It looked like a want of 
harmony somewhere. Though he had no reason to 
suppose there was any difference of opinion, with re- 
gard to himself, still it might lead to that, if it did not 
already exist, and he acted with promptness. The fol- 
lowing letter will explain itself. 

"Washington, 1851. 
To the Clerk of E. St. Baptist Church. — Dear Brother : 
When first invited by you to Washington, I had not determined 
to remain in this country, and consequently could not think 
21 



24O TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

about a settlement. I was glad, however, to accept your invita- 
tion to spend the winter months here, which gave me a tempo- 
rary sphere of usefulness in a milder climate. The future, I was 
willing to leave to him in whose hands I cheerfully leave my all. 

When, a few weeks since, I decided not to return to Burmah, 
I stated that much, not supposing any formality with the church 
on the subject necessary. Having heard before, from what I 
supposed every part of the church, the kindest expressions, I 
was willing the church should make any proposal desired, and 
was prepared to give no unfavorable interpretation to what might 
appear to be the will of God in the case. 

I was not aware till last evening of your meeting on Monday 
night. I should exceedingly regret to be even the innocent 
cause of any difficulty about me. It was never supposed possi- 
ble that I could be a party man, or accept a party vote, or con- 
sent to remain in a church divided about myself. On the con- 
trary, it has thus far been, by the grace of God, my happy lot to 
be always a healer of breaches and a restorer of confidence and 
peace in the church. I could not remain in Washington to do 
otherwise. 

I hasten, therefore, to inform you that it will be necessary to 
make some other provision for your pulpit after next Lord's Day. 
With this please present to the Committee for the ' Supply of the 
Pulpit,' the assurance of my kindest regards and of my strongest 
desires for their comfort and usefulness, individually and col- 
lectively ; and I shall not cease to pray that the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ may be ever with them and the whole church, 
and send them speedily a pastor after their own heart. 

Very affectionately yours and theirs in the gospel, 

J. G. Binney. 

P. S. — I ought to state, I have had no communication with 
any person on this subject. The state of the case was learned 
only by a remark or two in the family at the tea-table." 

The following Lord's Day Mr. Binney closed his ser- 
vices for the E. St. Baptist Church. While the congre- 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH Ah T D SOUTH. 



24I 



gation had greatly increased, and the church had been 
considerably quickened, there had been few conver- 
sions. This fact led to serious heart-searchings on his 
part, and the sermon was calculated to produce the 
same effect in the church. The parting was solemn and 
tender. 

The next morning found Mr. and Mrs. Binney on 
their way to New York. This arrangement was made 
chiefly that Mrs. Binney might be near her physician, 
and Mr. Binney was sure of finding work for the Mas- 
ter there, while waiting the further development of Pro- 
vidence. 

During the remainder of the spring and early sum- 
mer Mr. Binney supplied various destitute pulpits in 
New York City, as from week to week invited. Early 
in July, he received a letter from the church in Elmira, 
New York, asking him to supply their pulpit the follow- 
ing Lord's Day. He had no engagement, and the coun- 
try was inviting, so he gladly accepted the invitation. 
The New York and Erie Railroad, which had not long 
been opened, afforded some charming scenery. The 
place itself, at this season of the year, was very attrac- 
tive, and the people hospitable and cordial. His heart 
went out to them in return, and they all had a " good 
time." He promised to be with them the Lord's Day 
following, and hastened back the next day to his wife, 
whom he had left very unwell. The church did not 
wait, however, for him to visit them again, but called a 
meeting, and agreed to invite him to a permanent settle- 
ment with them. They requested him, in case he could 
accept their invitation, to bring Mrs. Binney with him, 



242 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA H. 

so that he need not return to New York. He accepted 
their call, and as soon as she was able to bear the jour- 
ney, he assumed the pastoral office among them. He 
was very candid, and told them that the first winter 
might affect him as it had done before, take away his 
voice ; but he was willing to make the trial, hoping that 
there would be no unkind feeling should such prove the 
case. His fears were realized, and even as early as the 
following November he was beginning to suffer from the 
climate. His old bronchial troubles returned, and he 
did not hesitate to let some of his Southern friends 
know that he was likely to be compelled to seek a 
Southern climate. He soon received an invitation to 
" come to Augusta to spend the winter." This, under 
the circumstances, he declined to do, but it led to a cor- 
respondence which resulted in the acceptance of a call 
to become their pastor. 

He was in Elmira about six months. His stay was 
too short to accomplish any very marked results, in his 
way of working ; but it was admitted by all that he left 
the church working together more harmoniously and 
systematically than when he began his labors with them. 
There had been a considerable addition to its members 
by letters, and he had the great joy of baptizing from 
time to time new converts and receiving them into the 
church. The church and community were appreciative 
and kind, and Mr. and Mrs. Binney were happy. The 
six months' residence with their kind brethren and 
friends in Elmira formed an exceedingly pleasant episode 
in their lives. 

An incident which occurred a short time before they 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 243 

left may furnish a useful suggestion to others. Mr. 
Binney had called together the deacons and leading 
members into his study, where he laid before them his 
invitation from Augusta, and the probability of his ac- 
ceptance. That they might understand his motive fully, 
he told them, what he had before carefully concealed, 
that he had received invitations to visit three different 
city churches since coming to Elmira, and that he had 
also been written to concerning several professorships, 
to all of which he had refused to listen. But this call 
to Augusta seemed to offer him a sphere of usefulness 
where he might reasonably hope to remain. They as- 
sured him that no one who knew the circumstances 
could blame him for leaving them so soon. He then 
left the room to speak to a person who desired to see 
him. On his return, one of the deacons said to him : 

"What will you do with this furniture, Mr. Binney? 
We understand the furniture in the room is yours." 

" Yes ; I must send it to the auction rooms and take 
what it will bring. I suppose there is not enough for a 
sale here." 

"Well, we have already sold it for you, condi- 
tionally, while you were out. Brother A. will take 
the book-case; Brother B., the chairs, and so on; as to 
the carpet, it is on the floor, and your host must take 
that; but never mind zvho takes the furniture ; if you 
can give us your bills so that we may know what you 
paid for it, you can just let the things stand where they 
are till you leave." 

A few days after, when he did leave, the money for 
the furniture was handed him with tickets for the 

21* 



244 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

through train to Augusta. They said to him as they 
put these in his hands, " We did not quite like the 
looks of this, paying you to leave us, but we do not 
know the custom of the Southern churches, and 
whether they propose to meet the expenses of your 
journey. If they do not, it would of course come out 
of your own pocket ; and if they do, this addition will 
not come amiss just now." 

He assured them the Augusta Church would take 
good care of him. But this token of their regard was 
pressed on him ; and coming at the parting hour, when 
he would naturally be sad and depressed, it was very 
cheering. 

For the second time, he was accepting a pastorate in 
Georgia, when scarcely able to take the journey, and 
with a wife still more feeble ; this time, however, they 
were not going among strangers, but knew that a warm 
welcome awaited them. In truth, it must be recorded, 
they had a yearning desire to go South ; they felt in 
going back to Georgia, though not to the same church, 
that they were going among friends. On arriving at 
the depot in Augusta, the first person that greeted them 
was old Marcus, Dr. Turpin's coachman, the same who 
had driven them on the unfortunate evening of the 
overthrow into the ditch. 

" Well, well, Marcus, how are you ? After all these 
years you are looking as young and hale as ever." 

" Yes, Mr. Binney, a good master and mistress, and 
light work have kept old Marcus in pretty good condi- 
tion ; and I reckon you have been serving a good Master 
too, or you would never have got back here safe again ; 



PASTORAL LAB ORS NOR TH AND SO UTIL 245 

though you both look a little worn, as if you might 
have had hard work. Well, there is a person over there 
looking after your trunks, and my orders are to bring 
you at once to my old master and mistress, who will 
think the time very long till they see your faces." 

This was a specimen of the warm greetings which 
awaited them on all hands. When they left the North 
the snow lay deep on the ground ; and here, after only 
three days of travel, vegetation was covering its face, 
and roses and fruit trees were in blossom. The air was 
balmy, and Mr. Binney after a few weeks was a new 
man. 

On the last day of February, 1852, he was publicly 
recognized as pastor of the Church. Rev. W. T. 
Brantly, of Athens University, preached the sermon ; 
Rev. H. O. Wyer, of Savannah, addressed pastor and 
people, and Rev. W. I. Hard, of the Augusta Church, 
gave the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Wyer's address 
was eloquent and touching, and brought vividly to 
mind scenes of thrilling interest in which they had for- 
merly been associated. A short extract is given. 

You remember, my brother, when in the last public assembly 
in which we ever met, I turned away from you with an over- 
flowing heart, sorrowing most of all that I should see your face 
no more. You remember, I was among the brethren of your 
church who could not see it to be your duty to leave us ; but seeing 
your face set towards Jerusalem, and that you heard a voice we 
could not hear, we bowed with submission, saying, "The will of 
the Lord be done." The pillar of cloud by day and fire by 
night went before you andstoodby you, during your sojourn in Bur- 
mah, where you were a blessing to many. It has been lifted up 
and brought you safely back to us, and we rejoice in that our 



246 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMA II. 

eyes are again permitted to behold you in our midst. To charge 
you to be faithful to the trust committed to you, would be inde- 
corous in me. We all feel, your feet once planted in our midst, 
your labors are commenced. Lift up your eyes, my brother, and 
behold these whitened fields, here you will find ample scope, in 
promoting the interests of the Redeemer's cause, for all the rich 
and varied qualifications which you bring to the work. Your ex- 
perience as a pastor ; your power and eloquence as a preacher ; 
your critical Biblical knowledge ; your enlarged knowledge of 
mankind, as seen in the poor and degraded, as well as in the 
highest walks of life — all will but enable you the more success- 
fully to gather here souls into the kingdom. 

You remember, my brother, when in Savannah, you once ex- 
pressed to me the opinion that there was no place where you 
could do so much for your Master. Others thought so too. 
Mysterious was the providence that took you from us. You are 
now placed in a similar situation, with richer qualifications for 
successful labor. God has been mindful of his people here, and 
we look with confidence to see his work accomplished through 
your instrumentality. 

Much more that was kind was said, and he then ad- 
dressed the church. 

Under such circumstances, Mr. Binney commenced his 
pastoral work in Augusta, and God blessed and pros- 
pered him in a wonderful degree. The church co-op- 
erated with him, backsliders were restored and sinners 
converted ; and though Mr. Binney was obliged occa- 
sionally to obtain help for a single sermon, yet the bron- 
chial affection, which was always like a drawn sword 
suspended by a hair over him, had never given him less 
anxiety since he left Savannah in 1843. Mrs. Binney's 
health was steadily improving. All this was interpreted 
to mean that God designed them to make Augusta a 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 247 

permanent residence. The old parsonage was put in 
good order for their use, and furnished pleasantly and 
comfortably. Once more they had it in their power, as 
•in former days, to receive their friends, both Northern 
and Southern, to their own home. The congregation 
had so rapidly increased that applicants for pews were 
obliged to be refused, and the church was contemplating 
an enlargement. In the meantime, other influences 
were at work, and he was embarrassed somewhat in in- 
terpreting them. The Executive Committee in Boston 
found it very difficult, even impossible, to supply his 
place suitably in Maulmain ; and they, as well as some 
of the Karen missionaries in Burmah, were in constant 
correspondence with him ; but he did not see it to be 
his duty to return to Burmah. Under date of March 
23d, 1852, a short time only after his resignation, 
he wrote the following letter to Dr. Peck, which will 
show his state of mind : 

My Dear Brother : — Yours of February 4th and March 5th 
were duly received, and would have been immediately acknow- 
ledged, but for the intention soon to answer them. The answer 
has been delayed solely because I did not know what to say. 
Never has my heart been more affected in behalf of those with- 
out the gospel, and never have I felt more interest for the 
Karens than during the past year. The importance of the place 
assigned me has appeared the greater to my mind by long and 
careful reflection, at a distance from the field. 

There are, it is true, difficulties in the way of my return, which 
I have not mentioned, because a prior reason has really gov- 
erned my course. I left Burmah on account of Mrs. Binney's 
ill health, and that alone has been sufficient to keep us at home. 
Such was really my position until invited to the South again. 
With a term of five years, with Mrs. Binney to return in two to 



248 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

five years, if necessary, the resumption of my work in Burmah 
was quite possible ; and had the proposal come in time, I should 
seriously have thought of an immediate return, other things 
favoring, as I doubt not they would have done. But before any 
intimation of these views of the Executive Committee had 
reached me, I had committed myself to the church here ; and my 
recognition had been arranged, so that I could not stay the pro- 
cess. I am now here. The people have received us with great 
confidence and affection, and their expectations are awakened. 
Can I leave them ? Much as my heart has longed for such a 
quiet field of labor, permanently, I would not remain here for 
any merely personal interests. I know I am not my own. I wish 
to be and do only what is pleasing to God. But is it right so to dis- 
appoint this people ? Would that please God ? At present I can 
only say, that I do not know. I cannot say either Yea or Nay. I 
could not in any case leave before another Fall. By that time 
God may shed more light upon my path than I now see. In the 
meantime, if you can otherwise suitably provide for that depart- 
ment, that, of itself, would fully decide the case. 

With best regards, affectionately your brother, 

J. G. BlNNEY. 

Again, a few months later, he writes the Secretary as 
follows : 

The truth is, I have made but little progress in thinking upon 
this subject. I do not mean that it gives me no thought. Far 
from that. It is seldom out of my mind many hours at a time. 
No other point has so many of my thoughts or so much of my 
anxiety. I wish to do right, so as to please God, and to be as 
useful as possible in the cause of Christ. So far as health is con- 
cerned it may now be assumed that there would be no difficulty 
in our going for five years ; Mrs. Binney having full permission 
to return sooner, if desirable; beyond that, to be subject to the 
providence of God. 

When we think only of the work to be done, of the Mission 
work among the Karens, or to the Karens themselves, our whole 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 249 

heart pleads to be there at once ; we ask no more important 
sphere in life. But when we think of other things, of which you 
are not ignorant, we instantly exclaim : " If it be possible, let 
this cup pass from us " ! Yet it might be our duty to drink that 
cup. But the great difficulty still remains, the effect of those 
things upon usefulness. Here my whole life tells for all that it 
is worth. Others wish to increase and make the most of my in- 
fluence ; will it be so there ? I cannot afford, I have no right, to 
throw away a large part of what little I am and have. You see 
my difficulty in part. 

As will be seen by the above letter, there were in 
Mr. Binney's mind obstacles in the way of his return 
besides health, but they were eventually so far removed, 
that he ventured to write his letter of acceptance of the 
proposal of the Board in June, 1853. He felt that the 
great question must be settled ; it was affecting both his 
health and usefulness. The letter requires no special 
notice ; accompanying it was a personal one to the 
acting Secretary, Edward Bright, D. D., in which he 
says: 

The welfare of the Church has demanded a little delay. 
Questions of grave importance were before them, which might 
have been seriously affected by an untimely presentation of my 
decision. Their church edifice is being enlarged and improved. 
The money is subscribed and the work begun. I now hope all 
will be well with them. 

His letter of resignation to the church was dated 
July 9th, 1853. Though not demonstrative, it is sug- 
gestive of suppressed expression of sorrow. 

Dear Brethren : — Early in June, I expressed to you my de- 
cision to enter again the mission work in Burmah, which must 
necessarily sever my relation with you as your pastor. As this 



25O TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

is your last regular meeting before my departure, I seek this 
opportunity formally to resign my pastoral charge. In doing 
this, allow me to say, I have been influenced by no dissatisfac- 
tion with my present position, either for happiness or usefulness. 
In this church I have felt no want of confidence or affection, and 
it is with no ordinary pain that I leave you ; but after contem- 
plating the subject with much care and prayer, I think I could 
not retain a good conscience should I refuse to make the sacrifice 
required of me. The peculiar circumstances and wants of that 
Mission demand immediate and effective efforts for a native 
ministry, and God in his providence seems to lay upon me an 
imperative duty to resume that work. Painful as it is to sunder 
this intimate and endeared relation, and trying as are the cir- 
cumstances through which we must necessarily pass, we feel that 
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will be sufficient for us and 
for the Church. We feel assured you will not forget us at the 
throne of grace, while we are so long subjected to the trials and 
perils of the sea, nor while in that far off land. 

Accept my warmest thanks for the kindness with which you 
have regarded my labor, and the affectionate and respectful 
attentions which I have so uniformly and to the last received. 
Be assured, no distance can make us forget you ; and the recol- 
lections of Augusta will ever be to us a comfort in that land of 
strange men and things ; our prayers shall still be for you and 
your children, that God may ever give you his richest blessings. 
Affectionately your brother, 

J. G. Binney. 

All needed preparations for the passage had been quietly 
made in their own home. As soon, therefore, as the 
resignation had been given, they disposed of their furni- 
ture and all appertaining to their cheerful home, and 
left for Boston to spend the short time before sailing 
with relatives. Difficulties and misunderstandings had 
for some time existed in the Mission, and a deputation 



PASTOR A L LABORS NORTH AND SO UTH. 2 5 I 

consisting of S. Peck, D.D., the Secretary, and J. 
N. Granger, D.D., of Providence, authorized to act with 
the same powers as the Executive Committee had been 
sent out. The first letters from the deputation arrived 
soon after Mr. Binney reached Boston; they were of 
such a nature that they caused him to waver. No one 
had felt more desirous that more direct preaching 
should be done in Burmah than he ; he had been the 
first to awaken a deeper interest in the minds of the 
Committee, as well as in Burmah, on this subject ; but 
he contemplated no changes which would prevent his 
carrying out his views of education, which he had fully 
laid before the Board, as already given in this volume. 

He mentioned his fears in a letter to some one of his 
Augusta friends. The Church at once caught at the 
possibility, after all, of his remaining at home, and 
promptly called a meeting and invited him, if such 
should be the case, to return to them at once. As an 
evidence of the earnestness of their desire, they offered 
to add several hundred dollars to his salary. This he 
had never expected or wished, but it was gratifying as 
an expression of esteem. The time of sailing drew 
nigh. The Committee assured him in a written com- 
munication that they had no doubt but he would be 
sustained in carrying out his views, especially with re- 
gard to the Theological School. His goods were put 
on board the vessel and the prospect was fair for an- 
other voyage in a sailing ship round the Cape. 

Mr. Binney went into Boston, accompanied by Dr. 
Pattison, to complete some little preparations for sailing 
the next day ; Mrs. Binney stayed at her brother's to 
22 



252 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

give the last touches to the work there. On the return 
of the two brothers from the ship they called in at the 
Mission rooms. The mail had arrived from Maulmain, 
and all the letters from the deputation were read. Their 
purport was such that Mr. Binney retraced his steps to 
the ship, ordered everything that belonged to him to be 
taken off, and the next morning wrote to Dr. Bright, 
Corresponding Secretary for the Home Department : 

I have received your kind communication respecting the 
action of the Executive Committee and the outline of the plan 
for the reorganization of the Karen Theological Seminary. I 
need not say that I have given it a very careful consideration. 
For the Theological Seminary itself, the plan is a good one. It 
clearly shows the desire of the Executive Committee to meet the 
necessities of the Karen churches as well as to answer an en- 
gagement with me. I do not see, under the circumstances, how 
they could have done more or better. Such a manifestation on 
their part has made me anxious to comply with their wishes in 
returning to Burmah. Still the difficulty is not removed. I 
have from the first been influenced more by the consideration of 
a general prospect of usefulness growing out of a concurrence of 
favorable indications, than by any peculiar features of the case. 

You will more fully appreciate my difficulty by considering 
the position I occupied on deciding to return. When I resigned 
my relation to the Union as their missionary, it was because I 
had no reasonable promise that Mrs. Binney's health would 
allow her permanently to live in Burmah. You afterwards pro- 
posed my return for five years. The question now before me 
was, Can I in five years do in Burmah sufficient to repay what 
must be lost at home if I comply with this request ? 

You know how careful I was to ascertain all that might affect 
this question ; not whether I could be useful merely ; nor whether, 
if I should remain abroad ten or more years, the balance would 
be in favor of my return, but whether I could reasonably believe 
that would be the case in five vears. I should, indeed, be wil- 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 253 

ling and expect to remain longer, if not providentially prevented; 
but my judgment could promise nothing beyond that short time. 
Mrs. Binney's health is too precarious. That I could do so 
much in five years seemed doubtful ; but on the whole it seemed 
so much like it, that I preferred to risk a failure, rather than 
assume the responsibility of declining your appointment. The 
grounds of promise were, in part, that I could commence my 
work at once, to carry out the plan then approved, with some 
years' advance from my previous efforts, particularly in the 
Normal School; that in this I should have every facility for 
working from the first; that I should have the hearty co-opera- 
tion of all concerned, both at home and in Burmah; and that, 
therefore, no time would be lost in decision and correspondence, 
but my whole time might be devoted to the one work. Hence I 
supposed it possible to do in five years enough to warrant the 
breaking up of all my plans, relations, and influences at home. 

It will occur to you at once to see how great uncertainty is 
now thrown over every one of these points on which I relied. 
It is not necessary to mention other considerations, nor to enlarge 
on these ; the position of everything is either changed or made 
uncertain. I am, therefore, constrained to the conclusion that 
it would not be right for me under these circumstances to enter 
the foreign field. I am aware how difficult it may be for some 
to appreciate fully my position ; but I am myself compelled to 
act from six years' experience in the work, from an intimate 
acquaintance with the bearings of all these things on my influ- 
ence and success. It was at first but a trembling decision ; now 
the greatest considerations are made to reverse that decision, 
with little room for the shadow of a doubt. 

Please accept for yourself, and present to the Executive 
Committee, my warmest acknowledgment for the kindness I 
have received in the consideration of this matter; they have 
gone as far under the circumstances as I could possibly expect. 
I fully appreciate their position, and am far from feeling that 
the failure is from any want of disposition on their part either to 
meet their engagement with me or to provide for the wants of 
the Karens. I regard the whole change as a part of God's pro- 



2 54 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

vidence, teaching me my duty with a clearness that will enable 
me hereafter to work at home with an approving conscience. 

I ought perhaps to add, I have not the first unpleasant feeling 
toward your Deputation to Burmah, for any part they may have 
had in leading to this result ; not only do I highly esteem them 
as men and brethren, but am thankful for the ability and fidelity 
with which they have performed their work in Burmah. Deeply 
as I regret the application of certain principles in education to 
the Karen Mission, it is perhaps better even than to do nothing, 
to break up the influence under which the Mission has so long 
suffered. I have not for some years had so much confidence as 
I now feel. It is my earnest prayer that God may enable you 
wisely and effectively to meet the great crisis of the Mission. 
As ever, affectionately, your brother, 

J. G. BlNNEY. 

Under the same date, he writes his acceptance of the 
conditional invitation he had received to return to the 
Augusta Church. While not wholly freed from anxiety 
as to the work he had left in Maulmain, he was relieved 
of the weight of personal responsibility with regard to 
it; and his elastic spirits resumed their normal state, and 
he indulges in expressions of great happiness in view of 
resuming the pastoral work. " This change," says he, 
" enables me to give up the foreign field with an ap- 
proving conscience, while my heart retains all its inter- 
est for the Mission and the men who conduct it." He 
was absent from Augusta a little more than .two 
months, just an ordinary holiday during the excessive 
heat of summer. 

Mention has been made of an increase of salary on 
his return, which he had neither expected nor especially 
desired ; he had all he needed. The incidents connected 
with this increase furnish one of the many illustrations 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 255 

which he experienced in life of the truth that " He that 
watereth shall be watered also himself." On leaving 
Augusta, as on leaving Savannah, he was greatly inter- 
ested in securing a suitable successor. His predecessor, 
the Rev .Wm. T. Brantly, was then a Professor in 
Athens University; and Mr. Binney was anxious to see 
him in the pastoral work again, and named him to the 
church as being most desirable for them to obtain. All 
would have been united in him, but doubted if he 
could be persuaded to come to them, as the same 
reasons, to some extent, which induced him to resign 
still existed. Mr. Binney thought it worth the trial; 
and to assure him of their earnest desire, he advised 
them to offer him a larger salary than they had ever 
given. 

"As your pews rent now," said he to them, " you 
can do it, and it will show your appreciation of his 
services." 

They thought that money would be but little object, 
as he had already an ample salary, and besides was not 
one to be eager for money. 

" Certainly not ; but he will probably be influenced by 
such an evidence of your appreciation." 

" But," said they again, " we cannot do that, Mr. Bin- 
ney; it would be unjust to you, and an implication that 
we should not like to make." 

He assured them that he had never thought of that ; 
and said that if they could secure a good pastor by it, 
he hoped no consideration of that kind would hinder 
them. When they asked him to come back to them, 
they mentioned this proposed increase of salary "as an 

22* 



256 7 WENTY- SIX YEA RS IN £ URMAII. 

evidence of their appreciation which he would not fail 
to interpret rightly." 

On reaching Augusta, Dr. Turpin's carriage was 
again in waiting, and his hospitable family were ready to 
give him a hearty welcome ; but another family were 
also waiting anxiously their arrival. Mr. and Mrs. Ben- 
jamin Chew had recently parted with their eldest daugh- 
ter, by her marriage, while their two younger daughters 
were away at school. They were lonely, and wanted Mr. 
and Mrs. Binney to take their large empty rooms, and 
occupy the empty seats at their table ; they must not 
go to housekeeping again till rested, and one year must 
be kept free from all domestic care and expense. They 
were glad of the rest and the cheerful home ; one year 
passed rapidly away, and no change was allowed; they 
remained under this hospitable roof till they were 
obliged, nearly two years afterwards, to leave Augusta 
altogether. 

Although Mr. Binney returned to Augusta in good 
health and spirits, yet, on resuming his work, it was 
evident that the excitement and anxiety through which 
he had passed, had somewhat weakened the general tone 
of his system ; at the same time the chronic affection of 
the throat became so much worse that he often preached 
with great pain, and his naturally fine voice was losing 
much of its sweetness and power. For this reason, 
several institutions of learning, supposing he might be 
compelled to leave the pastoral office, had their thoughts 
turned towards him. He was not actually elected to 
any position for some time, but merely addressed "to 
know if he would entertain a call of the sort." He de- 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTLL AND SOUTH. 



257 



clined for some time, and kept everything of the kind a 
profound secret, for the sake of the institutions con- 
cerned, and especially that the church might not be dis- 
turbed by such rumors. 

In the summer of 1854, however, he was appointed 
President of the new Theological Institution at Fair- 
mount, near Cincinnati, Ohio. This was done without 
having previously consulted him. He was interested 
greatly at the time in its success, and would probably 
have accepted the invitation but for a letter from one of 
the professors to Dr. Pattison, expressing some fear lest 
Mr. Binney would not be willing to co-operate with the 
men on the ground, and might be inclined to act too 
independently. 

Mr. Binney wrote to his brother-in-law in reply : 

I do not blame the Professor. He has had influences enough 
to awaken his fears, and he does not know me. I should not 
hesitate were that the only difficulty in the way, but that must be 
viewed in relation to the character of the work to be done. The 
work at Fairmount is new, and is not to prosper without much 
energy and decision of purpose somewhere. I should be 
ashamed not to take my share of the hard work, but the very 
elements of character essential to success as its leader would be 
likely to nourish suspicion now existing. I could not engage 
energetically in the work thus hampered. I rather regard the 
whole matter as an indication of Providence that I am to remain 
where I am at present. God will, doubtless, open some door 
when the time comes that I must relinquish preaching. Proverbs, 
iii. 5-6 has been my motto ever since I entered the Lord's ser- 
vice, and it has never failed me. I do feel that he has richly 
blessed me. Events, at first regarded as adverse, have, in almost 
every instance, proved introductory to my increased welfare and 
usefulness. 



258 TWEN TY SIX YEARS IN B URMA II. 

Another subject has given me anxiety. Mr. T. resigns at 
Savannah. The Committee of the church to procure a pastor 
have offered me the place with the hope of reuniting, if best, the 
two churches. That little church offers me $2000. If my throat 
would allow, I probably should feel it my duty to return to them, 
though I should be deeply grieved to leave Augusta, but I think 
I could do for Savannah what no other man could do, and much 
of their present trouble is in consequence of my having left them. 
I shall D. V. visit them in October and see what I can do for 
them. The yellow fever is now in Savannah and Charleston, 
and a few cases have been reported here ; our people are getting 
alarmed ; it is now only August, and about the worst month of the 
year for that disease is yet before us. Do not be anxious about 
us ; we are in the best possible position for such a time. For us 
to live is Christ ; still it is gain for us to die and be with him. 
We ought not, therefore, to be anxious about the fever. We can 
do our duty and trust the Lord. 

Soon after, the yellow fever did make its appearance 
in Augusta ; and one who has never been in like cir- 
cumstances can scarcely imagine the panic. It was like 
being on board a burning ship, every one thought of 
his own safety and of those dependent on him. In two 
hours after it was known that two deaths had occurred 
nearly simultaneously in different parts of the city, every 
one who could do so was fleeing for his life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Binney happened to be both engaged 
that morning in the back part of the house, and saw 
nothing for an hour or two of what was transpiring on 
the street, when a servant came rushing up saying, 
" Why I thought you had gone too, everybody has 
gone ! " Sure enough, not a conveyance was to be had 
of any kind. The city authorities were removing all 
who were unable to go themselves, and every private 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 259 

carriage had left with its owners A friend two miles 
from the city had said to Mr. Binney the Sunday 
before, " If the yellow fever appears, take a carriage and 
come with Mrs. Binney to us at once." He succeded 
in getting a man to take a note to this friend, who im- 
mediately sent his carriage for them. The next morn- 
ing Mr. Binney returned to town and caused it to be 
generally known, that from 8 A. M., till sunset he 
would be in town ready to visit the sick and dying of 
whatever class or denomination. One other pastor re- 
mained till he was taken himself, and then Mr. Binney 
remained alone. The Baptist Church was opened for 
service every Lord's Day ; and, though some protested, 
it was well filled. There were enough, obliged to re- 
main, who gladly came to listen to the words of one 
who spake as a dying man to dying men. Many heard 
the words of life who before the next Lord's Day were 
numbered with the dead. In a letter to his brother 
Jonathan of this date, he says : 

I will do all I can for E. If I live, you may rely on me for 
fifty dollars in November, and the same in March. I have no 
money by me now. Such is the state of things in our city that I 
should not know where to get even fifty dollars. I have been 
all the morning seeking nurses and servants for the sick, and 
this afternoon I am to bury the dead. Juliette is about two 
miles from here with kind friends, and I go there at night, but 
through the day my place is with the sick and dying ; still I feel 
easy. Be sure that in life or death all will be well. God knows 
best what to do with and for us. Pray much for us. 

Toward the close of the season, slight frosts having 
already appeared, and but few cases of the disease re- 



2 6o TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

maining, Mr. Binney decided to stay out of town alto- 
gether, unless sent for. On the very day that his deci- 
sion was made known in town, he himself was taken 
with the fever. Both he and his friends had been in 
readiness to treat the case promptly should he need it 
He was mercifully brought through the fever, and was 
about again in a short time, but the effects of the whole 
season upon him increased his inability to preach regu- 
larly. The next winter the church gave him the means 
of securing an assistant. Young Boardman — now the 
Rev. Geo. D. Boardman, D. D., the distinguished pastor 
of the old First Church in Philadelphia — came at his 
request and spent the winter months in Augusta, ren- 
dering him considerable assistance.. The church ex- 
pressed their readiness to employ permanent assistance 
or a colleague, that he might not leave them, but he felt 
himself still too young a man to do but half a strong 
man's work, especially, if in some other department he 
might do full service. 

Augusta had special attractions for him, and he came 
slowly and reluctantly to the conclusion, that a neces- 
sity of leaving them was laid upon him. His labors 
had been greatly blessed, and although at no time had 
there been any remarkable revivals, as in former pas- 
torates, yet the work resembled a regular succession of 
showers and sunshine, enriching and vivifying the face 
of nature, and causing the earth to bring forth fruit in 
its season. Dr. Brantly, in the article from which we 
have already quoted, says of his success in Augusta : 

There, as in Savannah, he soon attracted a large and intelli- 
gent congregation, and in a short time it became necessary, as 



PASTORAL LABORS NORTH AND SOUTH. 26 I 

during his former charge, to add to the accommodations of the 
house. His power in the pulpit was always rather that of a 
teacher than a herald, and his missionary training tended still fur- 
ther to the education of this characteristic. But in Augusta he found 
every Sunday many pupils delighting to sit at the feet of such 
an instructor. A distinguished jurist of the state, a Presbyterian, 
said to me, on learning that Mr. Binney had resigned his charge, 
"Mr. Binney has had only a short career among us, but it has 
been a brilliant one." 

In his letter of resignation to the church he says, 

Most sincerely can I repeat to you every expression of confi- 
dence and affection at any time before made. Few pastors have, 
in the same time, had so little to annoy, and so much to make 
them happy, with the people of their charge. 



CHAPTER XV. , 

AT COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, D. C. 

1855-1858. 

AT the Annual Commencement of Columbian Col- 
lege, June, 1854, The Trustees and Faculty con- 
ferred on Mr. Binney the Honorary Degree of Doctor 
of Divinity, "In consideration" they say, "of your able 
and successful labors in the Christian ministry, and of 
the love, which you have manifested, and the efforts which 
you have made, for the promotion of sound Scriptural 
learning; hoping that this token of respect, coming from 
those who know and appreciate your character and 
course, will prove acceptable to you and contribute, in 
some small degree at least, to your usefulness." With 
unaffected simplicity he thanks them, saying, that this 
expression of esteem, so unexpected, and coming from 
the source it did, could not but give him pleasure. 

On going to Elmira, in 1850, he found the people, 
both in Elmira and vicinity, universally calling him 
" Dr. Binney." As the degree had never been con- 
ferred upon him in any other way, than by that some- 
what uncertain authority, Public Opinion, it was ex- 
ceedingly unpleasant to him ; and he publicly requested 
those who regarded his feelings to call him by the only 
name to which he was honestly entitled. But it made lit— 
262 



AT COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, D. C. 263 

tie difference ; the habit was formed, and there it was his 
common appellation. In Georgia, he was always called 
"Mr. Binney ;" and when the Degree was conferred, ex- 
cept in very rare cases, the title was never used. " You 
will always be Mr. Binney to us," they said, "and we can- 
not bear ever to call you anything else." He loved to have 
it so, but it is believed he had no conscientious scruples in 
the matter, looking upon this much as he did the title of 
" Reverend;" personally, it was of little importance. 

The following winter, Rev. Dr. Bacon resigned the 
Presidency of Columbian College, when the Trustees, 
in connection with the Faculty, showed the sincerity of 
their profession of esteem by electing Dr. Binney to fill 
the place thus made vacant. He left Augusta and de- 
livered his Inaugural Address at their Commence- 
ment, June, 1855, and at once entered upon his work in 
the interests of the College. How much he did di- 
rectly to improve the finances of the College, is not so 
well-known to the writer. G. W. Samson, D.D., then 
the esteemed pastor of the E. Street Church, and after- 
wards his successor in the College, did more in that 
direction. Dr. Binney was, however, in correspondence 
with men of means, known for their interest in educa- 
tion, during his entire stay in Washington, and that not 
without considerable relief to the existing needs of the 
College ; but Southern men felt it too little a South- 
ern Institution to invest largely in it, and Northern men 
felt it too much a Southern Institution, for them to do 
much. Both North and South, however, were anxious 
that such an Institution, at the Capital of our countiy, 
should take a high stand. That his accepting this posi- 
23 



264 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

tion, was an encouragement and a stimulant, in making 
it what all desired, there is no doubt ; while all freely 
admitted that everything which came within his pro- 
vince was conducted with the most rigid regard to 
economy, consistent with the conditions of success. 
His chief labors were given, however, to its internal 
condition. He endeavored to raise the standard of 
scholarship, and to so conduct the discipline of the Col- 
lege as to render this possible. 

The discipline had been very gentle, to say the least, 
under the former amiable regime, and considerable 
pains had been taken, unfortunately perhaps, to let it be 
known that Dr. Binney was a " strict disciplinarian." 
As has been seen, this was true in his church govern- 
ment, but it has also been seen that no pains or labor 
were thought too great to save the offender, not only to 
the church, but from public reproach. But how he was 
to be strict, probably never occurred to them to inquire, 
and the students were naturally arraying themselves to 
act on the defensive. His Inaugural Address met with 
great favor on all sides, and the students were prepared 
to give the new President their respect. He had a 
happy faculty of not seeing all the little failures or 
foibles of his pupils or subordinates, and for a while 
they were beginning to think there must have been a 
mistake after all in the rumor. He certainly treated 
them as if he thought them gentlemen, and not school- 
boys, and the tide was setting strongly in his favor, 
when, unfortunately, the Faculty and students came into 
collision on an old question in which the latter had in- 
variably carried the day. They had a habit of cutting 



A T COL UMBIAN COLLEGE, D. C. 265 

the benches, desks, and even the pillars, with their 
pocket knives, thus disfiguring the College building. 

When Dr. Binney entered upon his office, everything 
was made "as good as new;" but he was told that very 
soon the process of mutilation would be repeated. He 
called the young gentlemen together, talked the matter 
over with them, and finally assured them that in view 
of all he had seen of their gentlemanly conduct, he felt 
great confidence that they would co-operate with him ; 
and that should any one of their number be so rude and 
thoughtless as in any way to mar the beauty of the 
building, the general opinion would be so strong 
against it as to bring the offender at once to justice. 
For a time everything went on well, but at length one, 
bolder than the rest, cut an ugly figure on one of the 
front pillars. Without comment it was repaired, and 
then the students in session called upon to say who 
should " foot the bill." All agreed upon "the one who 
cut the pillar," but no one was ready to acknowledge 
either that he himself had done it, or that he knew who 
had. The President then gave the offender the oppor- 
tunity to declare himself by writing or otherwise, to pay 
the bill, and receive forgiveness without exposure. After 
a while, no confession being made, the slight expense 
was averaged on all the students and paid without refer- 
ence to their bills sent home. But soon the case be- 
came serious. It was evident that more than one had 
determined to try who were stronger, the Faculty or the 
students. Expensive repairs had to be made, and out- 
lays were averaged and now charged in their bills. Then 
letters from parents began to come in, and a great deal 



2 66 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

of correspondence resulted, but the culprits were finally 
exposed, not by the help, however, of fellow-students, 
and made to pay the charges themselves, which put a 
stop to the mischief altogether. It would have been a 
very unpopular thing after that to repeat the offence. 

Some months after, there was another combination 
which was the cause of considerable trouble, and 
for a few days threatened to empty the College of 
students. This, also, by the aid of a united Faculty, was 
satisfactorily settled. The great firmness of the Presi- 
dent convinced all that he deemed strict obedience to 
law more essential to the welfare of the College than 
the attendance of any number of students. To close the 
College he believed to be more honorable to it than to 
have its halls filled with students who would not submit 
to its laws. His calm and firm attitude, and his evident 
concern for the real welfare of the students, were not 
without their just influence. He was gratified by the 
conviction that the larger portion of the students would 
in future consider obedience to lazv no degradation. There 
was no further trouble in the discipline of the College, 
save such minor incidents as so frequently occur from 
the thoughtlessness and inexperience of youth. 

In regard to his position afterwards, an extract from 
an article written soon after his decease by the Rev. 
Dr. A. J. Huntington, then a Professor in the College, 
and now an able Professor in the University, tells the 
facts in a few words. Only these few words are given 
here, because the whole article will be published further 
on in the work. He says : " Nor was his post at Co- 
lumbian College less inviting. The Institution was 



A T CO L UA1BIAN COL L E GE, D. C. 267 

rising under his judicious administration. He was held 
in profound respect by the Trustees, the Faculty, and 
the students, as well as by the community in general. 
His relations with all were of the most pleasant kind." 
But though Dr. Binney was so happy in all his rela- 
tions in Washington, his mind was not at ease. Eu- 
genio Kincaid, D. D., one of the oldest and among the 
most honored missionaries of Burmah, was then in 
America, and spent much time with Dr. Binney in 
Washington, urging his return to the field. Dr. Kin- 
caid had not severed his connection with the Mission- 
ary Union and attached himself to another organization, 
as several others had done ; but he was anxious that 
Dr. Binney should go out independently. He thought 
this would relieve the Executive Committee of the 
Missionary Union, financially, of a heavy burden, unite 
all the missionaries in the work of Theological Edu- 
cation, and thus harmonize all interests. Dr. Binney, 
under some circumstances, might have thought this a 
good plan, on account of the low state of the Mission 
treasury at the time ; for he had known by experience, 
how hard is the task of making bricks without straw; 
but he never entertained for a moment, the thought of 
placing himself in a position of even seeming antago- 
nism to the regularly organized society for carrying on 
the work of Foreign Missions in behalf of the Baptist 
Denomination at the North, and thus, so far as his in- 
fluence went, weakening the cause. Any proposal made 
by brethren to send him out independently was con- 
sidered by him as supplementary to the work of the 
Missionary Union, and in harmony with its main de- 

23* 



268 TWENTY- SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

sign. It was soon seen that the brethren in Philadel- 
phia who were ready to send him out were prepared to 
act in connection with this body. He received earnest 
letters from his brethren in Burmah, who made no con- 
ditions with him, urging his return. • Dr. Kincaid ac- 
quiesced in the proposal made by Messrs. Bucknell, 
Jayne and G. Mcintosh, to sustain Dr. Binney, through 
the Missionary Union, though he would have preferred 
independent action. If the " voice of the people is the 
voice of God " then, Dr. Binney was called of God to 
leave his delightful home and work in Washington and 
return to Burmah. The religious denominational press, 
both North and South, echoes the sentiment of the paper 
which emanated from the rooms at Boston under date of 
October, 1858, from which the following extract is taken. 

In 1853, a correspondence was opened with Dr. Binney, hav- 
ing reference to his return to Burmah, and he was nearly on the 
point of embarking, when he discovered in the doings of the 
Deputation some things which he regarded as unfavorable to his 
plan of action, and he declined the service. From the time that 
Dr. Binney left till now, that Seminary has been in charge, first, 
of Mr. Vinton, then of Dr. Wade. The students have at no 
time been numerous. Owing to a lack of harmony among the 
missionaries, pupils have not been forthcoming from all the Mis- 
sions. Many have been retained in their fields, preaching a 
portion of the year, and gathering, during the rainy season, under 
the instruction of the resident missionaries. This method has 
not been without its advantages ; but the conviction has been 
growing that the Karen Theological School must be better 
sustained and made to do the whole work for which it was 
established. 

During the past year, urgent appeals have come from Burmah, 
for the return of Dr. Binney. The Executive Committee have 



A T COL UMBIA N COLL E GE, D. C. 2 69 

deeply felt the desirableness that this demand should be met ; 
but, in the embarrassed condition of the treasury, they have till 
recently been restrained from action. 

. Months since, a few liberal and earnest friends of missions in 
Philadelphia made overtures to Dr. Binney, then President of 
Columbian College, in the District of Columbia, to go out at their 
expense, as an independent laborer, and give a few years to the 
work which he had left unfinished. After the late meeting at 
Philadelphia, it was understood that Dr. Binney was disposed to 
go, and would prefer to go in connection with the Union ; also 
that his friends in Philadelphia, who had been negotiating with 
him, preferred to contribute for his support, through the treasury 
of the Union. After a careful, fraternal correspondence, and a 
frank interchange of views, the preliminaries were adjusted to 
mutual satisfaction. In the meantime, fresh letters were received 
from Burmah, written at the very time when the Board and Union 
were in session, in May last, that delightfully facilitated the con- 
summation of a result that has been widely desired. Among 
the communications, were letters from Dr. Wade, one to Dr. Bin- 
ney, urging his return, and another to the Executive Committee, 
requesting his appointment, and offering to resign the School at 
Maulmain to his care, and to work with him, or in any other 
department, as may be thought best. 

Thus the proposed action of the Committee was opportunely 
relieved from all embarrassment, and accordingly on the 30th of 
August, Dr. Binney was unanimously reappointed a missionary 
of the Union, and Principal of the Karen Theological Seminary. 
His outfit and salary for five years are provided for, by the 
pledges of three worthy brethren in Philadelphia. It is antici- 
pated that the Seminary will be located at or near Rangoon, 
perhaps occupying the premises at Kemendine. The design is, 
that this shall be the one Theological School for the Karens 
north of the Tenasserim Province, and, if possible, of the whole 
Karen people. 

From the great unanimity with which the missionaries, both 
those who abide by the Union, and those who have left it, have 
urged the return of Dr. Binney, strong confidence is cherished 



270 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MA II. 



that he will unite the missions around his school, and make it 
the means of restoring that harmony for which thousands have 
prayed. The Committtee regard all the steps which have led to 
this re-appointment as indicative of special interposition and 
guidance from above. To them, the hand of Providence is dis- 
tinctly visible. Nothing apart from the divine promises has for 
a long period, inspired them with so much hope. 

If Dr. Binney shall be permitted to re-enter the field which he 
so well understands, and to prosecute for a few years the work 
for which he is so eminently qualified, it may rationally be ex- 
pected that our Karen Missions will have a prosperity, surpassing 
all that has hitherto been witnessed. The latest intelligence 
shows that among the Karen churches are a larger number of 
promising candidates for the ministry, than are found in all the 
Baptist Theological Institutions in the United States. To train 
those young men for their important work is a service full of 
hope for perishing thousands, perhaps millions. Many of our 
present readers will live to see great things done in Burmah. 
That Empire is yet to be reckoned among the Christian nations. 
God has already a great people there and he will have a greater. 
Let us trust him, hope in him. He says, " For a small moment 
have I forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but 
with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the 
Lord thy Redeemer." Let us hold steadily on, giving and pray- 
ing, and when we shall have passed through the needed disci- 
pline, we shall have occasion to say, " Lo, this is our God, we 
have waited for him ; he will come and save us." 

While everywhere it was hoped and expected that 
this action would unite conflicting elements, and the 
opinion was expressed that the co-operation and encom- 
passing influences by which Dr. Binney would be sur- 
rounded were full of promise for Burmah, the friends of 
Columbian College expressed their regret in the strong- 
est language, that he should feel it his duty to leave 



A T COL UMBIAN COLLE GE, D. C. 2 7 1 

them. At a meeting of the Trustees of the College, 
the following resolutions were passed. 

Rev. Dr. Binney having tendered his resignation as President 
of the College, from a deep conviction of his duty to resume the 
labor of instruction among the Karens in Burmah : 

"Resolved, That in accepting his resignation, the Board acqui- 
esce in what seems to be an arrangement of Divine Providence. 

"Resolved, That as our intercourse with Dr. Binney during his 
connection with the College has been one of uninterrupted har- 
mony, satisfaction, and pleasure, we cordially reciprocate the 
feelings of confidence and esteem expressed in his letter of resig- 
nation. 

"Resolved, That in parting with Dr. Binney, not only does the 
College lose a truly efficient and valuable officer, but the cause 
of education one of its firmest and most valuable friends. 

"S. C. Smoot, Secretary of Board." 

Of this meeting and the resolutions adopted, a lead- 
ing Washington paper speaks in the following terms : 

Dr. Binney's loss will be deeply and seriously felt by the 
friends, patrons, and pupils of the College, as it is by his brother- 
officers and the Faculty. At a meeting of the Trustees, held Sep- 
tember 3d, the resolutions which accompany this letter were 
drafted by Rev. G. F. Adams, the Chairman of the Committee. 
Neither these, nor any other resolutions, however framed, could 
express the respect and attachment manifested for Dr. Binney, 
when the sudden announcement that he felt it his duty to leave 
the College for his old field of labor, was made. Every consis- 
tent effort was employed, to urge upon him the claims of the 
College; but every mind at last acquiesced in the conviction, 
that God had called him to go to the Karens. 

Dr. Binney, it is expected, will leave Washington about the 
30th of September, visiting Baltimore and Philadelphia, among 
other places, before sailing for Burmah. 

Many Christian hearts will invoke blessings on him and his 
companion during their ocean voyage. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

KEMENDINE SEMINARY AT RANGOON. 

1858-1863. 

WHEN Dr. Binney left New York for England, his 
plan was to take one of the fine passenger sailing 
ships, known as " Green's Ships," leaving London for 
Calcutta twice a month. This arrangement, would have 
brought him to Rangoon in April, and given him time 
to make preparations for the opening of his school at 
the commencement of the rains. But, being detained 
in London by the misfortunes of fellow passengers, he 
found himself a '" little too late." When he was ready, 
the last vessel of the season had just sailed. The Mis- 
sionary Union had not yet felt able to send their Mis- 
sionaries by the overland route. He had advocated the 
wisdom of so doing before he left home ; and, as his 
case was a peculiar one in many respects, it had been 
proposed to him to take that route ; still, though he 
was receiving his support wholly from rich men, who 
were as generous as rich, he would not do anything 
that his brethren generally could not do. So, he took 
the best sailing vessel he could find for Calcutta. She 
was heavily laden, and consequently he had a long and 
tedious passage. His friends had supplied him with a 
272 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANG OON. 2 J 3 

collection of new and choice books, and these helped to 
pass the time not unpleasantly ; very mercifully, he did 
not anticipate the trials before him. 

• On arriving in Calcutta, one of the first persons he 
met was the Rev. Dr. Duff, that remarkable man and 
devoted missionary of the Free Church of Scotland, 
now of world-wide fame. He had just returned from a 
visit to the Missions in Burmah, and almost his first 
words were : 

" Brother Binney, I cannot tell you how my heart has 
been, and is, burdened for you. I know, I suppose, the 
whole history of this movement — of your work, your 
sacrifice, and the motives which have led you to make 
it ; but it is, I think, a vain oblation. You will not be 
received in Burmah." 

Dr. Binney thought perhaps he did not know the 
earnest desire which had been expressed by nearly, if 
not all, the Karen missionaries and the Karens, for his 
return to his old work ; and told him briefly the reasons 
he had to believe that all would work well with him. 

"Not as a missionary of the Union," said Dr. Duff. 
"But," he kindly added, "if any man can take up this 
work successfully, you can. Nothing, so far as I know, 
has ever been said against you personally." 

At the same time Dr. Binney received from Mr. Ran- 
ney, of the mission press, the following note of wel- 
come, and the only one he did receive; though Dr. 
Stevens had written kindly, the letter had failed to 
reach him. This, though cordial, was not cheering : 

Dear Brother Binney : — In anticipation of your possible 
arrival in Calcutta before another Rangoon mail goes, I acquit 



2 74 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

myself of a pleasant duty, by sending you a brief note of wel- 
come back to your old scene of labor and trial ; and yet not the 
old place, as, in the world's progress the old place has become 
antiquated, and too dilapidated for profitable occupation. Though 
they did not know that, in America, and it is said you are to 
pitch your tent either in Maulmain or Rangoon. Our lamented 
Brother Vinton was always at headquarters, where he had a 
clear vision of the field, and before the world of Baptists could 
look through his glass and see as he saw, he moved headquar- 
ters to Rangoon. 

You are not going to Newton, to set yourself down in the com- 
fortable nest, among the flowers and foliage of your own cultiva- 
tion in former days ; instead of which, as I understand it, you 
intend to locate in the Kemendine jungles, where all is primitive 
as the minds upon which you are now to operate ; where the 
tall trees keep out the sunlight ; and where the undergrowth of 
jungle will require all the leisure you may get while digging the 
jungle out of the native mind. 

Well, I am glad you are coming. You have counted the cost, 
and, I have no doubt, have well ascertained the point of duty ; 
and as pleasure and duty do not always go together, and as you 
have well learned this fact by experience, you will perhaps feel 
less the sacrifice of stepping out of the College at Washington 
into the Karen jungle. We anticipate no small pleasure in you 
and Mrs. Binney being added to our little social circle. Accept 
both for Mrs. Binney and yourself a very hearty welcome back 
to Burmah. 

While in Calcutta, a letter was also received from Dr. 
Warren, then our Foreign Secretary, in which he says : 

Since you left, we hear all sorts of stories about the reception 
you will meet with in Burmah. But I am resolved to judge 
nothing before the time, and shall hope all things, and despair of 
nothing till I hear you say " give up the ship." If you cannot 
make an arrangement with the brethren, then who among us 
can? 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANGOON. 275 

Please do not think of turning homeward, but set up a stand- 
ard in the kingdom of the soul. Converts are multiplying in 
Toungoo and Henthadah, and there will be work enough for 
you. 

' Before leaving Washington, soon after hearing of the 
death of his old colleague, the Rev. J. H. Vinton, Dr. 
Binney wrote the Rev. Dr. J. Wheaton Smith, of Phila- 
delphia, in this manner : 

Brother Vinton is not there. You can hardly estimate what 
the cause of Christ among the Karens has lost, by the death of 
this good man. I assure you, should I ever return to Burmah, 
my work will be a different matter from what it was with his co- 
operation. The first night after receiving this intelligence, I 
could not sleep, and until now I cannot think of it, but with pain, 
such as I never felt upon the death of any other man. 

His anticipations were more than realized on his ar- 
rival in Rangoon. He missed his fraternal welcome. 
He had loved him and been loved by him, and largely 
through Dr. Binney's influence the Missionary Union 
had invited him and others back to their old places, the 
Union to ignore the past. So soon as this was known, 
Dr. Binney wrote to Mr. Vinton, in terms which show 
the confidence and esteem that existed between them, as 
also between other brethren who had left the Union. 

My heart is glad. After I left Philadelphia yesterday, I was 
informed that measures were adopted which promise peace and 
success to our Mission. Dr. Sears, Dr. Anderson of Rochester, 
Judge Harris, Dr. Lamson, and others led off, and ably supported 
important changes; and one was, on motion of Hon. Mr. Dun- 
can, instructing the Executive Committee to invite back the mis- 
sionaries. 

Now, my dear brother, don't delay. If they invite you back, 
accept the invitation without any reference to the past. Were I 
24 



276 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

in your place, I would simply answer, " Dear Brethren, I accept, 
with my whole heart, your invitation to restore my relation to 
the Missionary Union ; and trust the past may be sanctified to 
our good and the promotion of our Master's cause." 

Nothing further is, in my opinion, needed. You know I 
would not advise this, if I did not think it safe and best. I fear 
nothing but doing wrong. Give my love to Brethren Brayton 
and Beecher, for I do not know where to address them ; and say 
to them, that if they are invited back, as they will be, they must 
not hesitate. May God direct us all. 

The following circular preceded him to Burmah : 

To the Missionaries in Burmah, with the native Pastors and 

Churches. 
Beloved Brethren : The Executive Committee of the 
American Baptist Missionary Union have re-appointed the Rev. 
Joseph G. Binney, D.D., a missionary and the Principal of the 
Karen Literary and Theological Institution. To this act they 
have been moved by a conviction of the desirableness of his 
services in that field, and also by the repeated and earnest en- 
treaties from many of you, that he might return and resume the 
work in which he was formerly so useful. Five years ago he 
would gladly have acceded to the expressed wishes of the Com- 
mittee, and joined you in Christian labor; but he was restrained 
by obstacles which he regarded as likely to interfere with his 
success. Happily, those obstacles no longer exist, and he is 
now on the eve of his departure, assured of the confidence of 
his brethren in America, and anticipating from you a cordial 
welcome. 

The Committee have no disposition, as they have no motive, 
to conceal the fact that Dr. Binney's appointment this third time 
has been made under a new class of circumstances, and with 
unusual stipulations, and is therefore, in some of its aspects, a 
departure from past usage. This may seem to demand an ex- 
planation ; but for the present the Committee would fraternally 
intimate that they find themselves required, by plain indications 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANG OON. 2*]*] 

of Providence, to reexamine, and revise with care, some parts of 
their missionary policy, having reference especially to a greater 
simplification of the treasury department, a fuller recognition of 
the parity of the foreign and the home laborers, and an adjust- 
ment of the whole system upon a basis that shall accord more 
perfectly with the light furnished by more than forty years of 
varied experiences. You will, therefore, be pleased to regard 
this case, not as an exception that is to remain indicative of a 
special preference, but as a step taken under the pressure of 
providential circumstances in a given direction, and foreshadow- 
ing some changes which may hereafter be proposed for your 
consideration. 

The Committee in the mean time are desirous to facilitate, as 
they may be able, the important service intrusted to Dr. Binney ; 
and they take it for granted that his enterprise, coordinate with 
yours, will be regarded by you all with special favor, and that 
you will unite with him and with them in earnest efforts for its 
vigorous and successful prosecution. They do not pretend to 
arrange the details of his service. Much is committed to his 
known experience and discretion. You can aid him largely in 
his work, as he can essentially aid you in your respective depart- 
ments. May he and you have grace to labor together, congeni- 
ally and effectively, for the evangelization of Burmah. 

The Committee are far from supposing that everything desira- 
ble in the Educational Department can be done by one teacher, 
or by one Institution ; but we have the impression that the Mis- 
sions in Burmah will best promote their own interests and the 
general cause, by concentrating for the present, as far as practi- 
cable, the work of Theological instruction in a single School. 
And, while they say thus much, they do not forget that more or 
less of the missionaries may find it, as heretofore, both desirable 
and advisable to impart Biblical and other instruction to native 
assistants during the rains. Recognizing fully all fair exceptional 
cases, they cordially commend Dr. Binney and his plans to your 
kindest consideration, with the prayer and the hope that there 
may be, throughout the entire field, harmony of views, and a 
generous co-operation. 



278 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

The Committee regard it as an issue to be contemplated and 
sought by all concerned, that the Institution shall be made so 
much an object of interest to the Karen preachers and churches, 
as that they will, at no distant period, make it their own, and 
assume its entire support. For every reason the Committee de- 
sire such a consummation, and they respectfully commend the 
thought to your serious reflection, and solicit your wisest endea- 
vors to render it practicable. 

With affectionate esteem, your brethren and fellow- laborers, 

J. G. Warren, Cor. Sec. 

Boston, Nov. 2d, 1858. 

On the evening of Dr. Binney's arrival in Rangoon 
none of the Karen missionaries met him. After tea, 
with the Ranneys and Stevens in town, he took a 
gharry, and he and Mrs. Binney, though all was new 
and strange to them, went out to Kemendine, two miles 
away, alone. He learned that Mrs. Vinton was expect- 
ing them at her house. She received him with evident 
embarrassment, and lost no time in telling him that a 
paper had been drawn up and signed by all the Karen 
missionaries, except Dr. Wade and herself, asking him 
to go on to Maulmain, or at any rate not to stop in Ran- 
goon. She had at first intended to sign the paper — in- 
deed, she had urged that it be written — but had finally 
changed her mind ; and pupils were coming in from the 
Rangoon District, some of whom had waited in town a 
whole fortnight for his arrival. Dr. Wade's pupils were 
ready to come over in a body as soon as they heard of it. 

That night to Dr. Binney was literally a sleepless 
one. He must either comply with the request of his 
brethren or stay where he was. The sun arose, and he 
was still undecided what to do. The Karens began to 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANGOON. 279 

come in before he could dress ; and these, his old and 
tried friends, no sooner saw his face among them than 
all their suspicion vanished. To them he made no allu- 
sion to the trying circumstances in which he was placed. 
They told him " they had prayed him back," and he be- 
lieved them. 

At the breakfast table, the letter of which he had 
heard in Calcutta, and the evening before from Mrs. 
Vinton, was handed him. He put it in his pocket, fully 
intending to read and answer it. But such a communi- 
cation demanded time, of which he could not command 
a moment until night. Then he was exhausted, and 
even ill, from want of sleep, the incessant talking of the 
day, and the extreme heat. The next day was Sunday. 
He had not preached in Karen for nine years, but was 
overjoyed to have the opportunity again, and his tongue 
was loosed, so that he spoke as if he had been in con- 
stant use of the language. He was already in the har- 
ness, and went on with his work. Preparations to re- 
ceive the pupils had to be made in haste. The rains 
were well begun. His own dwelling-house was covered 
with a roof, and partially enclosed, but had no windows, 
doors, partitions, or even properly laid floors. He had 
purchased in Calcutta all the furniture actually needed, 
and the vessel by which it would come left before he 
did. It was expected daily. So, with a borrowed bed, 
a few chairs, and a table, they moved into the one par- 
tially enclosed room, and opened the school. The 
twenty-eight Karen pupils came over from Dr. Wade ; 
from their dearly loved " Teacher and Mamma," to whom 
they had been as children, they came to strangers and 

24* 



280 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

among strangers. Dr. and Mrs. Binney were over- 
whelmed with cares, and had little time to converse 
with them and less means for making them comfort- 
able; but as they afterwards said, "they were able to 
see that they were much more comfortably provided for 
than the Teacher and Mamma." On the second Lord's 
Day, Dr. Binney preached a sermon to them from the 
words : " The joy of the Lord is your strength." The 
notes of this sermon are found among his papers, and 
to this day frequent allusion is made to it by those who 
heard him. 

He explained to them the circumstances under which 
the text was spoken, and its meaning. In a few words 
he gave his own experience of this joy; that though he 
had left an inviting work, shared with beloved and es- 
teemed associates, and surrounded by every comfort, he 
had done it for his love for him who, when on earth, 
had not where to lay his head ; for the love of him who 
had suffered even unto death that we might live. He 
told them that it brought him into close and loving fel- 
lowship with the Master, and he counted it great joy 
thus to be honored by him ; that this joy made him very 
happy, so that he was able to reckon these as among 
his best days. Then he entered into detail, naming the 
trials through which they too were passing, especially 
that many of them were among strangers and home- 
sick. They did not yet know the heart of their Teacher 
even ; that he was sympathizing with them, and doing 
all in his power to make them comfortable; and they 
must see, if they would consider, that his own family 
was more uncomfortable than they. Then he told them 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANG O ON. 2 8 I 

of the tender, loving sympathy of Jesus, and that not a 
hair of their heads could fall to the ground without his 
notice. If they had come from any worldly motive, he 
had no word of cheer for them ; but if they came from 
love to Jesus, from the simple desire to prepare them- 
selves to serve him better, then, in view of all his pre- 
cious promises, they might joy and rejoice; though 
they now sowed in tears, they would reap in joy. His 
sermon so encouraged their hearts that they were greatly 
affected at the time, and never afterward were disposed 
to complain, or even to feel homesick. 
, But all this time the letter remained unanswered. 
His silence, and apparent ignoring of it, led one of the 
brethren to address him on the subject. His brief re- 
ply did not satisfy the brother, and he wrote again. 
The first two letters have not been preserved, but 
the two which followed show their character, and also 
the state of mind which led Dr. Binney to the course 
he took. 

Rev. D. L. Brayton writes under date of June 7th, 
1859: 

Dear Brother Binney. — I have known you more or less for 
nearly thirty years. I have always loved you for what I believed 
to be your candid, open-hearted, upright course. I have always 
looked upon you as quite above, and far out of reach of, every 
thing like littleness or intrigue ; and — what is more than any 
thing else, and all things else combined — I have had and still 
have unbounded confidence in you as a Christian brother. Now, 
if this confidence can be reciprocated, I should like to have — if 
convenient to yourself, at an early hour — some conversation on 
matters deeply involving, as I think, the interests of Christ's 
kingdom among these Karens. If you have no objection to 



282 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

such a conversation, I will meet you at your house, or any other 
place most convenient to yourself. 

If our views can possibly be brought to harmonize, it will be a 
matter of very great consolation. 

Affectionately yours, 

D. L. Braytox. 

To this most fraternal letter Dr. Binney prepared and 
sent, before the day was ended, the following reply. 

My Dear Brother Braytox. — In answer to yours of this 
morning, allow me to say, I believe there has been far too much 
talking, explaining, and arguing, respecting missionary work. 
If brethren have confidence in each other, it is not needed ; and 
if there is a want of confidence, it certainly will not be produced 
or increased by any such course ; as the past, at home and in 
the field, already clearly shows. With this impression I decided 
to come back, resolved not to spend my time or strength in con- 
tinual writing or talking. I was assured on every side, that the 
Karens both needed and wished for my labors, and that my mis- 
sionary brethren had confidence in me. I came to work for the 
Karens ; and already have my hands and heart full, with my 
time so fully occupied that I have yet had no opportunity to 
provide even common comforts for my family. I have sixty- 
seven students looking to me for instruction and for many other 
attentions. Everything has to be obtained anew, or fitted to cir- 
cumstances. I have been in Rangoon only twelve or thirteen 
days, after an absence from Burmah of nine years, but my 
classes are formed, and I am already engaged in my recitations. 

Still, I will gladly meet you, simply to talk together as Christian 
brethren. Be assured, you will find me the same Brother Binney 
as formerly, and ready to reciprocate any and all confidence that 
may be placed in me. We will meet, if you please, to-morrow 
evening at 7 o'clock. Please interpret every word in this and 
my other note as designed to express only such feelings as our 
Master would approve between brethren. 

And believe me, ever affectionately, your brother, 

J. G. Bixxey. 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANGOON. 283 

The paper, inviting Dr. Binney to leave Rangoon, was 
never formally answered. Several of the brethren had 
already requested their names erased, though not in 
time for it to be done before he received it. He was 
well in his work almost before he himself was aware of 
it; and as every brother expressed only the kindest 
feelings toward him personally, he deemed discussion un- 
necessary and impolitic. He thought, as he said to Mr. 
Brayton, that " too much had been said already." As 
the sequel proved, harmony was best promoted by 
silence and fraternal co-operation in all good work. 
The brethren all, sooner or later, accepted the invita- 
tions to return to the Missionary Union. 

The question will naturally be asked, " What was the 
cause of this want of harmony among the Missiona- 
ries ?" Especially will the inquiry be made, " What 
was the cause of alienation from the Missionary Union?" 
It is not proposed to go into detail in answering these 
questions, but only to glance at the principal causes. 

In the early history of the Mission, there was little 
of what since has been termed " Missionary Policy." 
Two or three brethren, isolated by a voyage of months 
from their brethren at home, were all the world to each 
other, and were entrusted with funds to spend as they 
saw fit. The interests of each were nearly the same, 
and if little differences arose, as there might arise in 
the family relation, yet the ties that bound them to each 
other were so strong, that these differences were easily 
adjusted. Soon, however, it became very different. As 
their number increased, and each had to some extent a 
different department, it was necessary to apportion the 



284 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BbRMAH. 

means accordingly, Each station was made indepen- 
dent of other stations, but the appropriations were made 
by the Executive Committee at home, to the station, and 
not to each individual worker, and the money given to 
the worker, not wholly as he felt he needed to use in 
his work, but as the majority of the brethren of the 
station thought he needed. This naturally would seem 
the wisest way, but practically was attended with diffi- 
culties. If a brother desired an appropriation for re- 
pairs on his house or for any department of Missionary 
Work, a majority of one could prevent it. This proved 
a strong temptation to a brother to act on the principle, 
though he might not avow it, " if you will vote for me, 
I will vote for you ;" and if a man was independent 
enough not to do so, it was sometimes thought he suf- 
fered for it. But would good men so act? That was, 
in part, the point at issue. The Karen Missionaries 
were in the minority, and complained that their interests 
were often disregarded. Mr. Binney found this feeling; 
he did not create it; but he strongly advocated separate 
organizations of the Burman and Karen Departments. 
This he did, partly because of the existence of this feel- 
ing, but chiefly because he thought each must better 
understand the claims of its own special work — than the 
other could. Moreover, he believed that if there were 
no vote to be feared, advice and co-operation would be 
sought more frequently and largely. All the meetings 
were held so far from the Karen Department as to in- 
volve much time and expense to attend them. He also 
thought, that to narrow the responsibility would make it 
more deeply felt. Though several letters are found ad- 






KEMENDINE SEMINA RY AT RANG O ON 285 

vocating the division so far as the distribution of funds is 
concerned, not a word is seen anywhere imputing blame 
to a brother. It is doubted, whether such a word from 
his pen, could be found either on that or any other sub- 
ject, in the archives of the Union. When the Karen 
Mission, at their earnest and united request, became in- 
dependent of the other Department, the appropriations 
were made directly to them. In Maulmain, they being 
a small body, were in a very similar condition to the 
first Missionaries. It was productive of greater har- 
mony of action, while this state of the Mission con- 
tinued. 

With regard to the alienation from the Missionary 
Union; the relation between the Missionaries and the 
Union was considered by many not to be " fraternal," 
but that of " employers and employees." This feeling 
was increased by the sending out of a " Deputation " 
in 1853, empowered to act for the Executive Committee 
without referring anything back to them. If a Deputa- 
tion entrusted with so much power were desirable, Dr. 
Binney thought that two better men, perhaps, could not 
have been selected, than Drs. Peck and Granger. They 
came, hoping to make crooked things straight, and to 
restore harmony where there was disaffection. Instead 
of the expected result, parties were formed — Deputa- 
tion and Anti- deputation. Several of the brethren left 
the Union ; others were even more aggressively op- 
posed to the measures inaugurated than those who did 
leave ; while some co operated with the Deputation, 
thus making themselves antagonistic to the brethren 
who did not. 



286 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

As has been seen, Dr. Binney felt that he could not 
return to Maulmain to carry out the circumscribed 
work thus planned for him, and he left the Mission 
quietly, doing nothing to embarrass the Board, but 
working for them in all possible ways. He felt that, 
'/ if the work planned for him was all that the Execu- 
tive Committee needed, they had men enough to carry 
it on without him, and he could do more good at 
home." He was so silent on the subject, that little ex- 
citement was produced either at home or in Burmah, 
by his refusing to remain. 

When the brethren at home and in Burmah, were 
ready to give him the privilege of doing all he thought 
he could do for the elevation of the Karens and the 
perpetuation of the work, no personal sacrifice seemed 
too great to accomplish this. He came to Kemendine 
from Washington for that purpose, under the legitimate 
control of the Union, his best friends and friends of the 
cause, so preferring to work, but in harmony with all 
others. 

There was, however, another serious obstacle in his 
way. On the annexation of Pegu, in 1852, Mr. Vinton, 
his former co-worker, removed the headquarters of the 
Karen Mission to Rangoon, which then had become 
the Capital of British Burmah. He took up a con- 
siderable tract of land in the suburbs of Rangoon, at a 
place called Kemendine, at a merely nominal price. It 
was a little out of the business part of the city, but was 
accessible by boat. Commanding the river view and air, 
it was a very desirable location. 

It was entirely uncultivated, but partly by aid of 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y A T RANGOON. 2X7 

friends in Burmah, and chiefly by friends at home and 
the Missionary Union, the ground was prepared and 
buildings erected for Mr. Vinton's dwelling, and for 
school purposes. An expensive brick chapel was also 
erected, though not completed, by contributions mostly 
secured by Mrs. Vinton in America. It was called 
11 Francs' Chapel," facetiously so at first, but afterward 
this was adopted as its real name, from the fact that the 
first contribution made for it was a five franc piece, 
given by a poor woman. All this was done while Mr. 
Vinton was a missionary of the Union. The Executive 
Committee of that body, considered it their property, to 
be used exclusively for the purposes of the Mission. 
There were misunderstandings, and there was much 
and prolonged discussion. Mr. Vinton was over- 
whelmed with cares and work, organizing and visiting 
the Karens scattered through the jungles. In the mean 
time the Karens, not having been able to attend to their 
crops during the war, were starving in consequence. 
Mr. Vinton brought hundreds of them to Kemendine 
and fed them. In this good work he received help from 
English friends, and to some extent from friends at 
home. While thus pressed with cares and anxieties, his 
business accounts became confused, at least. Correspon- 
dence did not succeed in bringing order out of confu- 
sion. America was a long way off; mails were slow ; 
and it seemed next to impossible to get all these debata- 
ble matters settled satisfactorily. 

On the eve of embarking, the Executive Committee 
had asked Dr. Binney to try and bring about an amica- 
ble understanding, and gave him full power to do this 
25 



288 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

in his own way, promising to abide by his decision. 
This was known in Kemendine. Suspicions were 
awakened that this authority to act might result in 
wrong to Mrs. Vinton and the Karens ; the one, widow 
of a brother- beloved, and the other, dear to him as his 
own children, as was shown by all he had given up and 
done for their sake. 

These suspicions, however, were soon set at rest. He 
called for books and papers and oral explanations ; and 
worked upon the subject long enough to become well 
convinced that the whole business had become hopeless- 
ly entangled. He wrote to the Board, saying, that 
were the money involved in the case his own, he would 
relinquish all claims ; not on the ground of justice, — 
that he would not attempt to decide, — but on the ground 
that the whole property w r ould be used for mission pur- 
poses in the hands of a Karen Society, and independent 
of any organized body beside. He therefore advised, 
in the interests of peace and for the good of all con- 
cerned, that controversy should cease, and the Karens 
or their advisers be allowed to take the whole. This 
was done without a dissenting voice from the Committee. 

For the purpose of making this explanation, we left 
Dr. Binney, only a few days after his arrival in the coun- 
try, with his large school, to be cared for, and no com- 
fortable provision yet made for self and family or school. 
It was a busy, anxious time. Carpenters had to be 
overseen, recitations heard, mostly by Dr. and Mrs. 
Binney; for the head teacher of the school at Maulmain 
was not able to come ; and the others, young and un- 
qualified, were his only assistants. 



KE MEND WE SEMINAR Y AT RANG ON 289 

According to the custom of the country, the cook- 
house must be at some distance from the dwelling. The 
whole place being a dense jungle, the native servants 
were afraid of robbers, who were always prowling about, 
and would not stay. As many as ten or twelve servants 
were procured, one after the other, and paid each a little 
in advance ; still they were continually leaving, and 
Mrs. Binney, with the aid of some one of the pupils out 
of school hours, had to attend to the cooking. This, with 
the care of the sick, and classes to be heard daily, was 
quite too much for her, and she suffered constantly from 
fever. All suffered, more or less, from acclimatizing 
in the jungle under such unfavorable circumstances, 
but Mrs. Binney the most severely. 

Such was the beginning of the work. Four years 
thereafter passed away with no remarkable or sudden 
changes, but with steady improvement in every respect. 
Dr. Binney's relations with his brethren were pleasant, 
and the school was getting back to its former state. 
The leading man, Pah-poo, whom he had prepared so 
well to be his assistant in Maulmain, returned to him. 
The younger teachers became more competent to help. 
The dwelling-house was completed, and comfortable ; 
roads were made; and the grounds graded and taste- 
fully laid out. Flowering shrubs and plants were tak- 
ing the place of forest trees and jungle growth. But 
this transformation was not wrought suddenly by any 
magic wand, as we shall see hereafter. 

At this same period the Missionary Union was un- 
dergoing a severe ordeal at home. Few of its active 
workers of to-day have any adequate idea of the trials 



29O TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

through which it was then passing. A few years before, 
the Baptists of the South were dissatisfied, and withdrew 
to form the Southern Baptist Convention. Some sym- 
pathized with the action of the Southern brethren, and 
thought the division was caused by the unnecessary 
scruples of brethren in the North. Many more 
thought that the Missionary Union, which was formed 
after the separation, had not been sufficiently bold and 
aggressive in its declaration of anti-slavery sentiments. 
They originated a new organization, called " The Free 
Mission Society," through which they sought to express 
their views and carry out their principles. They also 
desired that more freedom of action should be granted 
to missionaries than heretofore. 

Many of those who had been strongly attached to the 
Union were disturbed by the attacks made upon it, and 
confused by the discussion that arose. Funds for the 
work which the Union had to provide for came in too 
scantily, and Dr. Binney and others were embarrassed. 
His salary, it is true, was secured by the three brethren 
from Philadelphia ; but the school was larger than the 
Executive Committee had expected, and its expenses 
were met with great difficulty. Dr. Binney obtained 
help for completing his dwelling-house, putting up an 
inexpensive school building, grading and making a road 
to the public highway, grading and improving the 
ground in front of his house, in this way. There 
was at the time an unusually large number of pious 
military officers and business men in Rangoon, who 
greatly desired stated religious services on the Lord's 
Day, and asked Dr. Binney to conduct them in " Francs' 



KEMEXDIXE SEMINAR Y AT RANG O OX. 2 9 I 

Chapel." They even formed a little church. They had 
been accustomed to have regular preaching by some one 
of the missionaries, but without any thought of recom- 
pense. Dr. Binney candidly made known to them his 
wants, the pressure of his work, and all his circumstances, 
and told them, also, that he would preach to the poor for 
nothing, but neither the Bible nor reason required him 
to do this for rich professing Christians. If, according 
to their ability, they would give of their temporal sub- 
stance, he would give according to his ability in spirit- 
ual things. The proposal met with a prompt and cheer- 
ful response, and the Theological Seminary Compound 
at Kemendine soon became comfortable and pleasant, 
and, in that early and unimproved state of Rangoon, 
noted for its neatness and beauty. Socially, too, there 
was an improvement. Those who attended his preach- 
ing on Sunday evenings naturally wished to pay him 
social attentions. Others wished to visit him occasion- 
ally for religious advice and instruction ; but this would 
embarrass his work, and place him in the position of the 
pastor of a small church. He could not spare the time 
from his Karen work, but told them that every even- 
ing at half-past six he took tea with his family; if any 
would come in then he would give them a cup of tea 
and spend an hour or more, according to circumstances, 
on any evening, Saturdays excepted. This brought him 
into contact with many good Christian friends, and was 
a slight relaxation to him. If they did not leave at 
eight o'clock, he always left them and retired to his 
study, to prepare for the next day's recitations, and they 
expected him to do so. 

25* 



292 



TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 



In the meantime, though he was compelled to gather 
much of the straw for making bricks, yet the bricks 
were made. The friends of Missions at home were 
writing encouraging letters also. Dr. Warren, the For- 
eign Secretary, wrote as follows : 

The Executive Committee have watched your progress 
with constant solicitude, being well aware of the magnitude of 
the undertaking and the difficulties which must meet you at 
every step. As you well know, so many and so great were the 
obstacles to be met and overcome, that, but for the manifest, and 
I may almost say unexpected, indications of Providence, favora- 
ble to the design, they would hardly have ventured on the mea- 
sure of sending you abroad. They relied very much upon you ; 
your experience in that sphere of labor ; your knowledge of the 
field, of the native character, of your missionary associates, and 
all troubles past and present, with their causes and results. No 
man was better qualified than you to detect the tendencies of 
things here and there, at home and abroad ; and none could 
calculate better than you the chances of success or failure. 
Brethren on both sides of the water were very anxious to have 
you go. You were willing to go ; the Committee were more 
than willing to appoint you ; they would with you, venture on 
the Lord, and see what he would bring to pass. The whole un- 
dertaking was, in a sense, of the nature of an experiment ; and, 
I may say, as the sense of the Committee up to this time, it has 
resulted better than they expected. They are satisfied, and 
more than satisfied, with what God has wrought through your 
means. And if it should prove in the end that not all you had 
hoped in relation to the School should be realized, the inci- 
dental benefit of your being at Rangoon will be a compensation 
for all toil and sacrifice on your part. You do not need to 
hear me say this, but it is in my heart to say it, and I will not 
refrain. 

But while there was so much to encourage him, in 



KE MENDINE SEMIXAR Y AT RANG OX. 293 

common with other of his missionary brethren he had 
much that was unpleasant to meet during the progress 
of the war in this country. The small congregation to 
which he preached every Sunday evening was composed 
largely of British army officers, who hailed with joy every 
reverse which the forces of the Government met. Most 
of the respectable merchants and business men of the 
place took the same side, though they manifested less 
bitterness. The local papers were filled with misrepre- 
sentation and abuse. His situation was a very trying 
one. For awhile he kept up the same friendly inter- 
course, and patiently explained the actual state of things, 
seeking to enlighten all who came to him, and these were 
not a few. But every mail brought more or less mat- 
ter for controversy, and this took too much time and 
strength from his legitimate work. He finally frankly 
stated this, and declined to converse on the subject. 
Then he was invited to lecture before " The Young 
Men's Literary Association " on "America's Civil War." 
He did so, announcing his theme to be " The United 
States of America. In their present efforts, ought they 
to have the sympathy of other nations ?" The com- 
munity of Rangoon were invited, and all classes, espe- 
cially those for whom it was purposely designed, came 
out to hear. It would be impossible to give here even 
an analysis, which would do it justice. Though the small 
building was densely packed, and all suffered greatly 
from the heat, yet during an hour and a quarter they 
listened eagerly with no sign of impatience. This lec- 
ture, although his views differed very widely from those 
of a large number of his hearers, did not alienate his 



294 TWENTY-SIX YEA RS IN B UR MAH. 

English friends ; on the contrary, respect for his moral 
courage, was repeatedly expressed. 

Even in the most trying days, when everything was 
new and uncomfortable about them, their home had 
been made very sunny by the presence of an adopted 
son, a fatherless nephew, who came with them from 
Washington. He was of an age and disposition to 
make little deprivations, having the charm of novelty, 
an actual pleasure ; the unconventional and free life 
which he enjoyed, turned all difficulties into adventures; 
and, with a devotion unsurpassed, he made himself very 
essential to his mother, and his society was to both a 
well spring of joy. When he had to be sent to America 
for better advantages of education and business, it 
made the home very desolate. Though always chary 
of complaints, Dr. Binney would almost daily say, 
" How we do miss the boy !" 

But hardly had time, which makes all such losses 
seem more endurable, a fair chance to work a favorable 
change, when he was called upon to bear a loss which 
indeed brought desolation to his home. Mrs. Binney's 
health had suffered a good deal, from their first coming 
to Kemendine, but her naturally elastic temperament 
had kept her up. She had never been obliged to 
abandon work, and neither she nor her husband were 
fully aware of her real state. On attempting to arise 
one morning, she found one of her limbs quite useless, 
and soon any attempt to move was attended with so 
much pain, that she was obliged to keep her couch for 
a long time. Under good medical treatment the suffer- 
ing was partially alleviated ; but after fifteen months 



KEMENDINE SEMIXAR Y AT RANGOON. 



295 



trial of all that could be done in Burmah, the decision 
was, that she must have medical treatment in a favora- 
ble climate. That she must go home was certain, but 
what was his duty? He felt very reluctant to allow 
her to go on alone in that helpless state, but on the 
other hand he was very unwilling to leave his work 
just at a point, where all past labor and sacrifice might 
be lost. 

The Executive Committee had written him that the 
Rev. C. H. Carpenter and his wife were on their way to 
Rangoon, and that Mr. Carpenter had been appointed his 
" Assistant for the present." But he was a young man, 
unacquainted with the country and language ; and on 
his arrival could only afford a prospective relief. As 
soon as it was known, however, that Mr. and Mrs. Car- 
penter were in Calcutta, Mrs. Binney decided the ques- 
tion which he seemed unable to do. She would go 
without him, and he must return the following year. This 
decision he accepted. Then the term of his actual en- 
gagement would be ended; the School would be es- 
tablished ; Mr. Carpenter fairly started in school work ; 
by that time also, Mrs. Binney would have thrown aside 
her crutches as useless, and would never be subjected to 
a tropical climate again. With words like these he 
cheered her, and at the same time kept up his own 
courage. 

Three days after she left Burmah, May 12th, 1863, Mr. 
and Mrs. Carpenter arrived. Dr. Binney welcomed them 
gladly, gave a part of his house for their dwelling, and 
did all he could to introduce them to their work. His 
letters by every mail were cheerful, and full of hope for 



296 TWENTY-FIX YEARS IN BUR MAH. 

the work, and for the ability of his assistants. He was 
counting the lessening days of separation, when a letter 
came from the Executive Committee, saying, that, while 
deeply sympathizing with him in his separation from his 
wife under such trying circumstances, they felt constrained 
to ask him not to return at the expiration of his five years, 
but to stay one year longer ; at least until the Seminary 
should be secured upon a permanent basis. 

He did not need the Executive Committee to show 
him the great desirableness of such a course; but he 
was reluctant to leave his wife longer without his care; 
and felt that he could not propose it, nor answer in the 
affirmative, until he received her consent to do so. 

Papers from Rev. Messrs. Carpenter and Smith, for a 
while his able assistants in the Seminary, and the latter 
his chosen successor, are inserted here. Though allud- 
ing to after times, yet they have reference chiefly to 
this period. 

FROM REV. C. H. CARPENTER. 

My acquaintance with Rev. Dr. Binney began May 12th, 1863, 
the date of our first arrival in Rangoon. He was looking out 
for us, and welcomed us most cordially to his home and a share 
in his work. 

Only three days before, Mrs. Binney had sailed for America 
in very precarious health. He felt her absence keenly, and was 
constantly anxious about her. Nothing but a stern sense of 
duty to remain by the Seminary until the new hands should 
become somewhat familiar with the work would have induced 
him to make the sacrifice of sending her home helpless and 
alone. He was far from well himself, but his cheerfulness was 
uniform, and his sense of God as an ever present help seemed to 
be strong and abiding. In his times of greatest weakness and 



KEMENDINE SEMINAR Y AT RANGOON. 2gj 

pain, he often would speak laughingly of his body as a refrac- 
tory old mule, that required the whip. 

Most of his time was spent in his study and class room, but 
at the table and in our daily walks on the verandah after dinner, 
his conversation was most interesting and instructive. He took 
a genuine interest in our progress, both in the language and in 
the knowledge of the Karen people ; and he was always ready 
to draw upon his long and varied experience for our benefit. 
The view of mission work and the principles of education which 
he set forth at those times were invaluable to us and will never 
be forgotten. 

The war in our country was then in progress, and none watched 
the course of events with intenser interest than he and the other 
missionaries- in Burmah. While Dr. Binney evidently retained 
his old feelings of warm regard for his numerous friends and 
acquaintances at the South, his convictions and his sympathies 
were on the side of the Union. His country was the whole 
country. 

In common with other Americans abroad at that time, we had 
to endure the unfriendly remarks of not a few of our English 
neighbors. One of these gentlemen, a genial and learned man, 
but an avowed infidel, called repeatedly to see Dr. Binney, dur- 
ing one of his ill-turns. He expressed the hope that he might 
cheer him up ; but Dr. Binney was firm in his refusal to see him. 
"A man who hates my country and rejects my God can do me no 
good." 

The impression that Dr. Binney made upon all was that of a 
manly man. Beyond most men that I have known, he adhered 
rigidly to what he conceived to be his duty. He did not go be- 
yond his province, and interfere with the work of other men. He 
was capable of giving a stern rebuke, but it was always to the 
offender in person. During the two years in which we lived to- 
gether as one family, I cannot recall a single word spoken in 
disparagement of his brethren. He had kind words and kind 
words only, concerning all. At the same time his regard for all 
the proprieties of life was perfect. 

His work in Burmah was that of an Educator. He did not 



298 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

believe that the schools of the mission should be restricted to 
probable candidates for the ministry, and he was decidedly 
in favor of teaching some of the children of the native Christians 
English. At the same time, he was himself a rare preacher, and 
his life work was the training up of native preachers, and we 
have never had a missionary, probably, who magnified the 
preacher's office more than he. Burmah, in his judgment, 
must be won for Christ by preaching ; but the conquered terri- 
tory must be held, and its resources developed, by a thorough and 
extensive system of Christian schools. While in after years I 
was compelled to differ from his views in some points of detail ; 
his views on education in the main have long since become my 
own, as in fact they are the views of nearly all Christian mis- 
sionaries in India. 

He had the true teacher's regard for his pupils, and he watched 
the subsequent course of his graduates with great interest. It 
was pleasant to see the warm welcome which he gave them, as 
they came back from time to time to visit him, and the interest 
with which he recalled old times and questioned them with 
regard to the progress of the Lord's work at their hands. 

Many have felt deep sorrow at the removal of Dr. Binney 
from the scene of his earthly labor, but none will miss him more 
or mourn for him more truly than the Karen pastors and preach- 
ers who studied the word of God with him. In common with 
myself, they will ever cherish deep respect and affection for his 
memory. 

August 15, 1878. C. H. Carpenter. 

FROM REV. D. A. W. SMITH. 

Rangoon, June 3d, 1879. 
My Dear Mrs. Binney: You know that during your absence 
in America, in 1863, '4, and '5, Dr. Binney was for a time an 
inmate of our household. From October, 1864, to February, 
1865, the date of his return to America, we had the rare pleasure 
of meeting him two or three times daily at our table. His table- 
intercourse I consider a bright spot in our sunny domestic life. 
I used often to think, at the time, that a record of Dr. Binney's 



KEMEXDIXE SEMINARY AT KAXGOCX. 



299 



table-talk would possess a rare intrinsic value. I should now 
consider it, if I had it, a precious and invaluable memorial. 

We used to listen — the pleasure was shared with us by Mr. 
and Mrs. Carpenter — with the deepest interest to Dr. Binney's 
narration of incidents in his pastoral life in America, and in the 
early part of his career as foreign missionary. In connection 
with these incidents, he would give us his views on various sub- 
jects, in which we had a common interest, and all in so impres- 
sive and forcible a manner, that we would sit almost spell-bound. 

I cannot forgive myself now for not having taken more pains 
to preserve at least an outline of these table utterances. 

1 am sure, anything that I can recall with distinctness, you 
would be glad to hear, even though it be a repetition of what 
you have often heard yourself from his own lips. 

Speaking about ministers' salaries, Dr. Binney remarked 
once, that a pastor was entitled to a living equal in comfort to 
the average of his church-members. If pastor of a church, the 
members of which are mostly poor, he should cheerfully share 
with them their poverty, and be poor with the poor. As pastor 
of a rich church, however, he is not bound to poverty, but on 
the other hand should claim a support which would enable him 
to live as comfortably as the average of his flock. His own self- 
respect should not allow him to ask for less ; his parishioners' 
self-respect should not allow them to give him less. In prefer- 
ring such a claim, too, the pastor would be consulting the truest 
interests of the church he served. If I remember rightly, Dr. 
Binney said that he had himself been poor with the poor, and 
rich with the rich, and that he felt that he was in the line of duty 
no less in the latter case than in the former, and that his happi- 
ness was no less in the former case than in the latter. 

With regard to its being always the duty of the foreign mis- 
sionary to intermit or forego his parental obligations, Dr. Binney 
seemed to feel and always spoke very strongly. Nobody ex- 
cepting the parents themselves are bound to bring up their chil- 
dren, while hundreds and thousands share equally with them 
the obligation to preach Christ's gospel to the perishing heathen. 
The prevailing Christian feeling at home condemned the prac- 
26 



300 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

tice of throwing missionary children on the charities of the Chris- 
tian public ; and, at the same time, demanded it. Missionaries 
who left their children were condemned, and missionaries who 
remained behind to care for their children, no less so. Dr. Bin- 
ney thought the time had come for the churches and ministers 
at home to realize that the command to evangelize the heathen 
world was distributive, while the parental 'obligations were per- 
sonal and, for the most part, untransferable. Consecration for 
life to the Foreign Mission service, involving, as it seemed to do, 
the rupture of family ties and the disregard of parental obliga- 
tions, deterred, no doubt, many who would prove eminently effi- 
cient workers, from engaging in the Foreign Mission enterprise. 
No man has a right to say, for himself and beforehand, where 
he shall be "for life" — whether in the home field or the foreign 
field. Such a predetermination, on either the home or foreign 
side, involved a dictation to Providence, which could not fail to 
be mischievous in its tendencies. Both home and foreign workers 
should be more flexible in their plans, and allow for a healthy 
interchange of home and foreign service. Such an interchange 
would be a mutual benefit to both the home and foreign work, 
bringing each into more intimate relations to the other. Of 
course, it was not incumbent upon every home pastor to have 
engaged in foreign service, nor would it prove the duty of every 
foreign worker to have a limited service in the foreign field. Let 
God marshal his own forces to suit his own infinite wisdom, while 
every soldier stands ready with his "here am I." 

But I shall tax even your indulgence, I fear, if I run on in 
these reminiscences. Let me close by saying, that we feel it a 
rare privilege to have known Dr. Binney in the unguarded in- 
tercourse of home-life, and it has given me great delight to recall 
and, for a few moments, to live over again, those pleasant months 
of the autumn of 1865. 

Very sincerely yours. D. A. W. Smith. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

PERMANENT SEMINARY AT RANGOON. 

1864— 1865. 

HE remained in Burmah another year, during which 
time, finding it impossible to procure a deed of the 
lands at Kemendine, and a favorable opportunity occur- 
ring for purchase elsewhere, the Seminary was removed 
to its present beautiful location. He had, under date of 
February, 1 864, received full authority to go forward, pur- 
chase lands, and erect buildings suitable for the uses of 
a Seminary. Ten thousand dollars, less exchange, were 
to be placed at his disposal, which, " With what he had 
on hand, would be sufficient to begin with." This he 
had especially requested, as ready money would enable 
him to buy at an advantage. The manner of the pur- 
chase was so characteristic of the man, that it should 
not be omitted. Dr. Kincaid had co-operated with him 
in trying to obtain a deed or permanent lease on the site 
at Kemendine, and was kindly interested in looking out 
for a new location. He returned from town one after- 
noon about four o'clock, and informed Dr. Binney that 
certain premises, which Dr. Binney was well acquainted 
with, were for sale, and could be purchased at an in- 
credibly low price for ready payment. He stated that 

301 



302 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

there were competitors for the purchase, but they had 
not " cash in hand." 

" Go right back there, Brother Kincaid," said Dr. Bin- 
ney, "and secure the refusal of it." 

" I am very tired," replied Dr. Kincaid. " I have had 
nothing to eat since breakfast. There is no need to go 
now, for no more business will be done to-night. Offices 
will be shut before I can get back. But I will be on 
hand at the opening of business in the morning and se- 
cure it, if you are decided that it is best to do so." 

Dr. Binney had been ill of fever all day, and Avas in 
bed, the fever passing off and perspiration issuing from 
every pore ; but he sprang up, ordered a pony to 
be brought, and was hurrying on his clothes before Dr. 
Kincaid perceived his intent. 

" What are you going to do, Brother Binney?" 

" I am going to see Mr. , and secure the refu- 
sal of that estate before I sleep. To-morrow will be too 
late for us." 

Dr. Kincaid most good-naturedly replied : 

" Well, well, if one of us is to go to town to night, I 
shall go. I will do this cheerfully, in order to relieve 
your mind ; though I am quite sure it is not necessary." 

A few hours later he returned with the report that if 
the money could be handed over the next day, the deeds 
would be given, as the owner wished to embark at once 
for England. The next day the two brethren went 
together. They found that they had been none too 
quick in doing the work, as several hundred rupees 
more had been offered for the refusal. But they secured 
the property, and others were disappointed. 



PERMANENT SEMINAR Y AT RAA GOON 303 

Temporary accommodation for dormitories and school- 
rooms was soon put up, and the Seminary removed. 
In the mean time, Rev. D. A. W. Smith, who had been 
sent out a few months before to the Burmese Department, 
was transferred to the Theological Seminary, so that the 
prospect for its future cheered Dr. Binney's heart greatly. 
He was especially pleased with the new premises, con- 
taining seven and a half acres of land, two large, fine 
dwelling-houses, — one of which could well accommodate 
two families, — with good out-houses, needing only the 
erection of buildings for native teachers and pupils and a 
Chapel, for school purposes and worship. The location 
was well described by Rev. Mr. Carpenter in a paper 
prepared for another purpose. 

The present location of the Karen Theological Seminary is in 
every respect pleasant, and adapted to the requirements of the 
school. Whatever changes may be made hereafter in the limits 
of British Burmah, Rangoon will in all probability remain, as it 
is now, the only convenient station for a General School like this ; 
and of all the eligible sites in Rangoon and vicinity, the one now 
occupied cannot be surpassed in adaptation to our wants. It is 
remarkably healthy. It is at a convenient distance from the 
town. It is near enough to the other Mission Compounds fc r 
all friendly intercourse, and far enough removed to prevent all 
danger of friction. 



Professor Wm. Ruggles, LL.D., of Columbian Col- 
lege, pledged at once the funds for the erection of a 
good chapel. But our country was then in its worst 
struggle for even a national existence, and it was a re- 
markable fact that in the midst of it all, our benevolent 
operations were carried on with so little embarrassment. 

26* 



304 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Just about this time, however, Dr. Warren writes Dr. 
Binney. 

In my last, I expressed a fear that the national currency would 
depreciate still further, occasioning a further advance in the cost 
of exchange. My fears have been realized ; gold selling now at 
$2.50, or thereabout, and exchange ranging from $2.60 to $2.70, 
more or less, and no one supposes the highest point has been 
reached. I need not tell you what effect all this must have on our 
operations abroad. I had a month ago made up my mind that 
we could pay two dollars for one, and go through the year with- 
out incurring a heavy debt, but I must confess the present state 
of facts looks discouraging. It would not surprise me if we 
should be compelled virtually to suspend remittances and leave 
you and the brethren with you, to take care of yourselves as best 
you may. If it were a business operation, we would stop at once ; 
but knowing that the whole enterprise is of God, and has his vast 
resources pledged for its success, we may expect help to arise 
from some quarter. 

This state of things led Dr. Binney to defer the erec- 
tion of permanent buildings till exchange was more 
favorable. Thus it came to pass, finally, that Dr. 
Ruggles' munificent gift for a chapel went to another 
department of Educational effort for Karens, not, how- 
ever, without the approval of both Dr. Ruggles and Dr. 
Binney himself. 

He was also pecuniarily embarrassed. All that he 
possessed was invested in the State of Georgia. He not 
only failed to receive any interest, but banks failed, and 
he supposed himself to be left without a cent, and that 
at a time when others were dependent on him. He was 
obliged to relinquish the cherished expectation of giving 
his adopted son a liberal education, and yielded to 



PERMANENT SEMINAR Y AT RANGOON. 305 

his desire of going into the army, though a mere boy, 
while he himself shared his little salary as best he 
could with others. 

His health, too, was becoming seriously impaired, and 
he was constrained to bring matters as speedily as pos- 
sible to a state in which he could prudently leave them. 
The Executive Committee, hearing of his failing health, 
urged his speedy return. Dr. Warren wrote : 

I saw Mrs. Binney week before last. Though suffering much, 
she is still herself, fully so ; and I tell her she will recover and 
go back to Burmah. My plan is to have you to call in Dr. Wade 
to take your place at the helm for a time ; come home and re- 
cruit : and then, a couple of years hence, both go back as good 
as new. It is worth while to make considerable outlay to secure 
five years more service for such workers. 

His letters continued to reach his wife by every mail, 
full of details of his work, notices of particular pupils in 
whom he was interested, and the progress of the young 
people in the language. He was constantly saying, 

Do not be anxious about my health. I tell you every thing, as 

you do me. To-day you are at . My heart follows you, 

and is with you everywhere ; if you listen, you will hear its whis- 
per ; or if you do not, you will feel its throbbing. At any rate it 
is there, even if you fail to hear or feel it ; it is lovingly, prayerful- 
ly with you. 

He did not think best to call Dr. Wade to his help, 
but with Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter making good progress 
in the language ; Mr. and Mrs. Smith doing the same 
though having entered the work a little later ; and with 
native teachers, prepared to do a great deal, he left Ran- 
goon, early in March, 1865, to join his wife in Philadel- 



306 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

phia. He wrote her his time of sailing - , his plan of spend- 
ing three days in Paris, and the time when he would 
arrive in London, if prospered. Mrs. Binney was then 
staying in the family of Wm. Bucknell, Esq., Philadel- 
phia, to whom she read this letter. They were inter- 
ested, and fixed in their minds the fact that he was 
already on his way and would be in Philadelphia some 
time early in May. Mrs. Binney, being familiar with the 
journey, fixed decidedly in her own mind the very day 
when he would be with her. When the morning of 
that day arrived, she saw in the early paper that a 
steamer of the Cunard line, bound for New York, had 
been telegraphed off Halifax. She then said to Mr. and 
Mrs. Bucknell, that she thought her husband was in that 
steamer, and would probably reach New York about the 
time when she was reading the paper; and that she 
hoped soon to receive a telegram. All looked as if they 
almost thought that her mind had lost its balance. It 
seemed to them that so many things might occur to pre- 
vent his making every connection; and, moreover, as this 
was his first visit to Paris, they believed he would not be 
content with a stay of three days in that city. She, how- 
ever, was sure that nothing but sickness or something 
entirely beyond his control would detain him, but hav- 
ing no reasons which she considered convincing to 
others, she kept very silent, seating herself where she 
would hear every voice at the street door, and interest- 
ing herself in the morning news. This was a few days 
after the assassination of America's beloved President, 
and the papers were of thrilling interest. Persons were 
in and out the front door for two hours, but no 



PERMANENT SEMINAR Y AT RANGOON 



307 



telegram came ; at length Mrs. Bucknell kindly urged 
Mrs. Binney to come to her room. " If a telegram 
came," she added, "you will know it all the same, and 
if it does not " Before she could finish the sen- 
tence a boyish voice was heard at the door. 

" Is Mrs. Dr. Binney here ? I have a telegram for 
her." 

Mrs. Bucknell kindly did what Mrs. Binney found 
herself unable to do, — opened the envelope and read — 
11 Just arrived. Health improved. Take the next train 
for Philadelphia." 

Friends knew not at which to marvel most — Dr. 
Binney's success in reaching New York from Rangoon 
at the earliest possible time, or Mrs. Binney's absolute 
confidence that he would do so. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

EIGHTEEN MONTHS AT HOME. 

1865— 1866. 

ON his arrival in Philadelphia, it was very evident, 
that if he was not then very ill, he had been so. 
He looked at least ten years older than when Mrs. Bin- 
ney had left him in Rangoon, two years before. His 
bent figure and uncertain step told a story which his 
pen had withheld. He was cheerful and happy, and did 
not seem at all conscious of his own condition. He 
was emaciated to a degree that made it seem impossible 
for him to keep up, yet his face was full and his eye 
bright, and no one out of the intimate circle understood 
how changed he was. He went on to St. Louis to at- 
tend the Annual Meetings of the Missionary Union, 
but was able to attend only a single session ; much of 
the time being confined to his bed with vertigo and 
headaches. Friends called, and he refused no one, so 
glad was he to meet them. Afterward, he went to Al- 
ton for a few days to visit his brother-in-law, but was 
obliged to decline most of the many invitations 
to preach, address Sunday-schools, and the like. His 
wife hurried him back to Philadelphia, where they 
retired at once to the country, took board in a nice 
308 



EIGHTEEN MONTHS A T HOME. 309 

farmer's family, near their friends, the Crozers, in Up- 
land, and rested. Plenty of cream and good fruits and 
vegetables, with freedom from all responsibility and 
care, began after a while to bring back his flesh and 
strength ; but not till the bracing autumn weather came 
was he able to bear any unusual excitement. He sup- 
plied the vacant church at Upland occasionally, and 
gave himself little thought for the morrow. It seemed 
very improbable that he would ever go back to Ran- 
goon. Indeed, he had for a long time been decided, 
that Mrs. Binney's strength should never again be 
taxed as it had been, and he had great doubt as to 
whether she could bear the climate, even under the 
most favorable circumstances. At that time, though 
Mrs. Binney's general health was nearly, if not wholly, 
restored, she had not so recovered the use of her limbs 
as to walk independently. 

But, as the cool weather of autumn came on, and he 
began to feel stronger, he could not be idle, and was 
seriously considering what work he could do, that 
would tell most upon the interest of the cause for which 
he lived. The Home Mission Society just at this time 
was working in Richmond, and his former relations 
with the South, his knowledge of Southern people, both 
masters and servants, led the Committee to invite him 
to go to Richmond, in order to see what he could do 
there. His mission was a very indefinite one, though it 
was expected he would do something specially for the 
colored preachers of Richmond and vicinity. A large 
school was in progress in the " Old First Church " 
(African), and several excellent ladies were working in 



31 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

it with zeal and success. Hundreds of children and 
adults were already able to read the word of God for 
themselves, and every one who could read was fur- 
nished with a Bible. The Old African Church had not 
been without faithful pastors. Dr. Ryland, the mention 
of whose name among the colored people " was like 
sweet ointment poured forth," had labored faithfully for 
them. Some of the members were found, who, as soon as 
they could read the word for themselves, were prepared 
to take classes in the Sunday-school. The large day 
school and the Sunday-school presented very inspiring 
scenes. A man was appointed, by the Home Mission- 
ary Society, to superintend this work, and especially to 
act as pastor of the church. 

It must be confessed, however, that the place was one 
exceedingly difficult to fill, and the need had not been 
fully met. It was perhaps too much to expect that any 
man on such a mission would be received with great 
cordiality, the very first winter after the close of the war. 

Dr. and Mrs. Binney on their arrival, took apart- 
ments in a Southern boarding-house. He called on the 
pastors of the city, and told them his mission, that his first 
work would be to call together the colored preachers of 
the city and vicinity, and teach them in the evenings ; 
as they all had to earn their daily bread for themselves 
and families, probably he could not, for a while at 
least, establish a regular school. All the pastors were 
very cordial ; though much had been done for the 
colored people, now that all obstacles were removed, it 
was thought, that they should receive different instruc- 
tion. They expressed the greatest confidence in the 



EIGHTEEN MONTHS A T HOME. 



311 



wisdom and kindness of his plans. Several ladies called 
on Mrs. Binney, and the civilities were promptly re- 
turned ; but they were shut out from much intercourse 
with the people. The colored people not only would 
not come freely to them, but they would not have been 
allowed to do so. In some other respects they were 
not pleasantly situated. Ex-confederate officers and 
ladies, full of politics, were at the same table, and often, 
as might have been expected, bitter things were said. 
This kept Dr. Binney not unfrequently from the second 
course at dinner. He felt that he could afford to bear 
a good deal, and it was natural that the company would 
discuss these things among themselves. He frequently 
had very pleasant conversations, but at the table made 
it a point to be silent on political topics, hoping to keep 
others silent also. But strangers would come in from 
time to time, and introduce such subjects. 

It happened one day that Mrs. Binney went down to 
dinner before it was brought in, and something was 
said which led her to make a remark rather unfavora- 
ble to the Southern mode of doing domestic work ; 
but she immediately begged pardon, saying, she proba- 
bly would do the same way under the same circum- 
stances. One of the ladies responded : 

" Do not beg our pardon, Mrs. Binney, for anything. 
How it is possible for you and Dr. Binney to hear the 
things you have often heard at this table, and remain 
silent, I do not know. No Southerner could, or would, 
do it ; yet one only needs to see Dr. Binney to know 
that he is not a coward. It is his self-control, which 
exceeds everything I ever witnessed." 
27 



3 1 2 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

" He has, it is true, great self-control," Mrs. Binney 
said. " Doubtless, his naturally fiery spirit has needed 
and received a good deal of discipline. But you must 
remember, we can afford to bear a good deal from you ; 
we have had a severe contest, and we are on the vic- 
torious side. It would be rather ungracious, under the 
circumstances, to get angry, and reproach you, because 
you chafe a little." 

One of the most intelligent and amiable of the ladies 
present replied : 

" You are right, Mrs. Binney, and it is possible if the 
case were reversed, that we should do as you do ; 
but I fear we should not. At any rate I think it 
would be more considerate and dignified, on our part, 
to say less on political subjects at table, where your 
rights are the same as ours." 

Thenceforth they were treated with great respect 
and courtesy, and the table was a more agreeable place. 
Dr. Binney did what was in his power to make it so, 
and the company were pleased to draw him out on 
topics of common mutual interest. Still, the old objec- 
tion to his location in the boarding-house remained. 
The colored people had not free access to him, and 
Northern friends came and went, and he had only a pass- 
ing call, sometimes not that. He was able, however, 
after awhile to secure rooms and board with the Super- 
intendent of the colored schools. It was a change 
which facilitated his work, though it involved, especially 
to his wife, a loss of social intercourse. 

Dr. Binney while in Richmond, made an effort, to 
establish a Central School, similar to the one he had in 



EIGHTEEN MONTHS A T HOME. 3 1 3 

Rangoon ; not merely for Richmond, but for Virginia, 
and other States as well. He wished it to be a school 
where not only preachers should be taught the Bible, 
but where they should receive a literary and scientific 
education, sufficient to make them intelligent men and 
capable of leading the colored churches. He knew 
very well that this was needed, whether in Burmah or 
America. He found no difficulty in enlisting the sym- 
pathies of men, North and South, but needed the co- 
operation of men of means to carry out his plans. He 
had commenced negotiations for a large building in 
Norfolk, but could not at once complete his plans, 
which had reference, not only to the present, but the 
future. In the meantime he saw men coming forward 
to do the needed work; if not exactly in his way, 
still, to do it ; so he went on instructing his preachers, 
and preaching the gospel himself almost every Lord's 
Day. 

The members of the Old First Church boasted that 
they had the cream of teaching and preaching in the 
city. On Lord's Day mornings, church and yard would 
be packed until there was no longer standing room. 
Not a white person, except the Teachers and perhaps 
some Northern visitors, would be seen in the crowd, 
but all were usually quiet and orderly. Sunday even- 
ings were the great occasions, and sometimes there 
would be considerable disorder in the crowd that 
gathered about the church. 

Strangers visiting Richmond came to see how colored 
people conducted their meetings by themselves. Shout- 
ing, singing, stamping, and hand-shaking of the most 



3 I 4 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

emotional kind characterized these meetings, and they 
would often be held till a very late hour, breaking up 
amid a good deal of confusion. As they would crowd 
the pavements and talk and laugh loudly, it was not 
always pleasant to meet them. Dr. Binney in his even- 
ing class talked this over with the preachers, trying to 
show them how much more respectable and Christian- 
like a quiet manner on the street would be, and espe- 
cially how desirable it was that their meeting should be 
dismissed at an early hour, and the people go quietly 
home instead of disturbing the slumbers of people for a 
mile each way from the church, at a late hour at night, 
by boisterous talk and laughter. 

This was delicate ground to tread upon ; especially 
as he seemed to be on such friendly terms with the 
white pastors of the city; the freedmen had sometimes 
been encouraged to show their independence, but Dr. 
Binney reminded them that there were laws of good 
breeding which no man could violate with impunity. 
Gradually his influence prevailed with pastors and 
preachers. 

Whenever invited, he would preach on Sunday even- 
ings. Such visitors then as came merely to see a 
curious show were disappointed, and would some- 
times ask that the people might have a little prayer 
meeting afterward, but the preachers had independence 
enough to urge their congregation to leave the house. 
On one occasion, Dr. Binney had been preaching one 
of his most earnest and solemn sermons, and the im- 
mense audience had honored him by silence. At about 
nine o'clock the congregation was dismissed, and 



EIGHTEEN MONTHS A T HOME. 3 I 5 

walked home very quietly, conversing, if at all, in sub- 
dued tones. Some gentlemen, citizens of Richmond, 
met the colored pastor of the church, who was among 
the last to come out, and saluting him kindly, asked, 

" What can be going on among your people ? They 
are all so quiet, and talking in whispers. Something 
must be concocting." 

"No, no, nothing evil. Just, Dr. Binney has been 
preaching to us to-night, and we all feel solemn-like." 

" Pray, who is this Dr. Binney that is making such a 
revolution in the old church ?" 

" Well, you just come and hear for yourselves. I will 
be bound you will be thinking about yourselves too. 
You come and hear, and if you go away talking much, 
then I give it up." 

The next Sunday, they came, stood in the yard with 
the crowd till the sermon was over, then retired quietly, 
saying to one of the preachers : 

" Well, it is a pity, you should have all this preaching 
to yourselves. I think it would do us white people 
good too." 

" Yes, master, I dare say you could have your share. 
Dr. Binney likes mightily to preach to either whites or 
colored people." 

Nothing really discouraged Dr. Binney with regard 
to the establishment of such an Institution as he earn- 
estly desired for the colored people. He saw that it 
would take time, and felt sure of ultimate success ; but 
as has been intimated, he hoped the work would be 
done without him. The winter had set him up. He felt 
like himself again. He had had very uphill work during 

27* 



3 1 6 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

all his years in Burmah, and just as he was prepared to 
enjoy somewhat the fruits of his labors, had been called 
away. Mr. Carpenter, the senior in the Theological 
Seminary, had kept him well informed of the progress 
of the School, and always wrote, hoping he would be 
spared to return. His name was kept on the Seminary 
Catalogue as its President, and Dr. Warren had written 
as if expecting he would recruit and go back. When 
he was leaving Rangoon, Dr. Warren wrote to Mrs. 
Binney in the following strain : 

Dr. Binney has been placed in a very trying position, and, I 
must say, he has met it nobly. May the grace of God be suffi- 
cient for him even to the end ! I hope he will live yet many 
years, and, after recruiting with you a while at home, return with 
you to his chosen work and field. 

About this time a very earnest appeal had come from 
Burmah for more men. Mr. Beecher w T as sick and 
about to leave Bassein, and the Karen pastors had 
written to the Missionary Union, requesting them to 
take back the field and send them missionaries. This 
was a very important event, and moved him greatly. 
Henthadah was appealing for a man to be sent there. 
All these circumstances combined made him desirous 
to return to his old place in the Seminary. This desire 
was not expressed in words ; but Mrs. Binney became 
quite sure that, but for fear of her health, he would be 
glad to go back. She dared not make the suggestion. 
She was not certain whither the path of duty led, and feared 
to err. Her sufferings had been so great in Burmah as 
to make her shrink from their possible repetition. But 



EIGHTEEN MONTHS A T HOME. 3 I J 

she waited for clearer light on the way. Things seemed 
to be coming to a crisis in the providence of God, and 
she quietly awaited its leadings. The Home Mission 
Society was anxious that Dr. Binney should decide to 
pursue certain measures for the establishing of a School 
for the colored preachers, and this important sphere of 
usefulness, that was then awaiting his decision, would be 
lost if he delayed long. In talking this over with his 
wife, he dropped this incidental remark : 

" If all hope were given up, of your being able to live 
in Rangoon, with no more to do there than you would 
have here in connection with an Institution, I could 
decide this question at once." 

" If you really desire to return," replied Mrs. Binney, 
" I should not be afraid to go back, provided Mr. Car- 
penter or Mr. Smith be permitted to remain with you." 

14 Then I will write to Dr. Warren a confidential letter, 
to know if the Committee would think that the best way 
of furnishing men for Bassein." 

The letter was on its way in a few hours, and Dr. 
Warren replied, by the first mail after its reception, 
speaking only his own mind: 

If you and Mrs. Binney have that measure of health which 
will warrant your return to your work among the Karens, nothing 
could be more desirable. It would do good in every way, both 
here and there. 

More in a similar strain followed, and he spoke of the 
appeal from Bassein especially : 

These things look providential. If you go out this fall, either 
Mr. Carpenter or Mr. Smith could take hold of the Bassein field. 



3 1 8 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

These brethren are both doing well in the Seminary, and have 
come to look upon it as their work, and might perhaps be reluc- 
tant to give it up, even for the Bassein field ; but either of them 
will readily give place to you, I should suppose. 

At the next meeting of the Executive Committee, the 
appointment was made. Dr. Warren expressed great 
pleasure at the result of the " confidential letter intended 
as a feeler," rather than a proposal, and Dr. Murdoch, 
then Assistant Secretary, wrote his first letter to Dr. 
Binney, which was followed in after years by a great 
many of a similar spirit. He said : 

Permit me personally to express my great satisfaction at 
the proposal for your return to Burmah. You can do there, 
by the blessing of God, what no other man is qualified to 
do so well, while the work in this country may be carried forward 
by other hands." 

Dr. Binney stipulated that they should take the over- 
land route, and asked that Mrs. Dr. Stevens, then in 
America and about to return to Burmah, might accom- 
pany them. This the Executive Committee had already 
proposed ; and thus ended, or nearly so, the former plan 
of sending the missionaries round by the Cape of Good 
Hope. 






CHAPTER XIX. 

AGAIN AT RANGOON. 

1S66-1867. 

THE journey was in every respect pleasant, and did 
much to establish his health. He met a cordial 
welcome on all sides. The Karens had heard of his in- 
terest in the Freedmen, of the crowds who flocked to hear 
him preach, of his desire to see a Seminary established 
for the colored preachers, and they were making up their 
minds that he would never return. Mr. Smith on hear- 
ing of his purpose to resume his place in the Seminary of 
Rangoon, hastened to Henthadah to take the place made 
vacant by the removal of Mr. Thomas to Bassein, where 
he was already, like a magnet, drawing all the Christians 
to his aid. Mr. Carpenter, too, was burning with zeal 
for the "regions beyond," and asking permission to open 
a new field. In this desire, Dr. Binney thoroughly sym- 
pathized, but he had come out with the expectation ot 
having one of the young men at least to remain with him, 
and felt, that, in order to make progress in the work, so 
much was essential. Just at the close of the war, too, 
exchange was so largely against us, that the Board found 
it almost impossible to keep up the old stations, and he 
thought it unwise, for the sake of plowing and sowing 

319 



320 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

new fields, to neglect those already prepared for a har- 
vest, and so allow the seed to fall back into the ground 
for want of reapers. The Executive Committee thought 
so too, and Dr. Binney entered at once upon a new de- 
partment of the work, preparing and printing books, 
and fully expecting and believing that the time was not 
distant when he could give up his place to Mr. Carpen- 
ter. The next year Mr. Thomas's health compelled him 
to leave Bassein, and try, as a last resort, a voyage to 
his native land. Bassein was again sorely bereaved. 
Hardly had they dried their tears for the loss of their 
devoted and beloved teacher, Mr. Beecher, when Teacher 
Thomas must leave them. Not only were the Karens 
distressed, but his Missionary brethren generally felt 
deeply afflicted. Dr. Binney grieved, with others, that 
he was losing so faithful and genial a co-worker, but 
saw, also, that this involved the loss of Mr. Carpenter 
to the Seminary. 

After a painful and wearisome passage, Mr. Thomas 
reached New York on the 8th of June, 1868, just three 
days before he was called to his heavenly home. The 
Foreign Secretary, in announcing his death to Dr. 
Binney, asks, 

Who will fill the place thus made vacant at Bassein ? Under 
the circumstances, we must have the best man we can obtain. 
Brother Carpenter's name is mentioned, but with great reluctance. 
Call together the brethren at once, and let me have the result of 
your best deliberations. 

On the 26th of October following, a telegram was 
dispatched from Boston, which reached Rangoon the 






A GAIN AT RANGOON. 3 2 I 

27th, saying, "Carpenter transferred to Bassein, Smith 
to Rangoon." This being the first telegram ever sent 
to the Mission from Boston, it produced a profound 
sensation, independent of the changes which it made. 

Mr. Carpenter left at once for Bassein. The Karens, 
of Henthadah, found it hard to submit to so summary an 
edict, and were anxious to raise the money on the spot 
and send back their protest by the telegraph, but 
were persuded that it would be better to write fully and 
deliberately, which they did. Mr. Smith left his post 
reluctantly also, but came to Dr. Binney's help early in 
the February following. He kept up as far as possible 
an oversight and general interest in the affairs at Hen- 
thadah, and in one of his letters to the Board, he 
says : 

I sometimes have as many as a dozen letters from the Hentha- 
dah field in a single mail, besides frequent visits from the pastors 
of churches. My heart has often bled on account of the remote- 
ness of the station and my inability to follow up cases of in- 
terest. 

He only remained in Rangoon one year, and then re- 
turned to Henthadah, in accordance with his own desire, 
and to the great joy of the Henthadah churches, but 
this left Dr. Binney again alone. He had, however, a 
very well prepared native Faculty, and his health was 
good. Though greatly disappointed, he girded himself 
to the work. 

After Dr. and Mrs. Binney's return to Rangoon in 
December, 1866, up to this time, Mrs. Binney had 
never taught a class or rendered other important assist- 



322 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

ance in the Seminary. It had not been necessary while 
either Mr. Carpenter or Mr. Smith remained, but her 
health had so improved, that she ventured to call a class 
of a dozen fine, promising young women to her, and 
was giving her time and strength to preparing them for 
teaching at their various stations. All the expense in- 
curred, in this work, was met by Mrs. Bucknell and a 
few members of her family. Before Mrs. Binney left 
America the last time, Mrs. Bucknell had urged on her 
to spare no pains or needed expense for Karen girls, as 
she would like to be her co-worker, as Mr. Bucknell had 
been a co-worker with Dr. Binney. This was a very 
congenial labor to Mrs. Binney, and she could not dis- 
miss at once the first class as fully prepared as she de- 
sired it to be : and so was for awhile unable to render 
her husband any assistance. As soon, however, as these 
girls were sent back to their stations, Dr. Binney found 
ample occasion to call upon his old assistant, and she 
never failed him again, except in cases of severe illness, 
while he remained in Burmah. 

Dr. Binney was not a voluminous correspondent. 
His life was too busy and earnest to allow him to write 
many letters, yet he never neglected the claims of duty, 
and when his heart was touched, his pen was ever ready. 
Under date of April, 1869, he wrote his old friend, Wm. 
Bucknell, Esq., of Philadelphia, a letter which will serve 
a double purpose, a specimen of his tender sympathy, 
and a deserved tribute to the memory of a woman o 
rare consecration to the service of her Lord : 

My Dear Brother Bucknell : — We sometime since learned 
that Mrs. Bucknell was quite ill, but hoped the changes she was 



A GAIX A T RANG DON. 323 

making would wholly remove the tendency to the lungs. From 

a letter just received from Dr. W , I am led to fear that you 

have cause for serious anxiety. We know that God's ways are 
not as our ways ; still we trust that faith and prayer, with the aid 
of such means as you have at command, will, with God's blessing, 
save a life we deem so needed in the church, and in the circle in 
which you move. You can hardly imagine how seriously, in 
this far off place, any immediate danger to Mrs. Bucknell affects 
us. We have had reason to esteem and love her, not only for 
what she is to us, but for what she has done and is doing in our 
Master's work. If her strength fails and her system is under- 
mined, we know the cause ; she was overworked. Her solicitude 
for her country, her sympathy for her countrymen, and her 
interest in behalf of the future salvation of men drew upon her 
energies more than her constitution cauld bear. During our late 
war no class of persons did more good or at a greater expense, 
than those ladies, who, in the spirit of Christ their Master, ex- 
hausted their energies in providing for the physical, mental, and 
religious wants of those who stood in the breach, and fought for us- 

You know, my dear brother, that your dear wife took no small 
share of that anxiety, work, and suffering upon herself; and 
aided to it incessant labor for the fatherless and destitute; all 
taken into her very heart. Without doubt, her present maladv 
had its origin there. I trembled for her, while we were enjoying 
your hospitalities. Her heart seemed so full of sympathy for 
every good work, and yet I feared she had not strength to exe- 
cute her wishes. More than once I was on the point of urging 
her to abate her efforts for the temporal good of men, and even 
for their soul's salvation, feeling sure she could not last to work 
so, long ; but she was so sincerely in earnest, her whole heart 
seemed so thoroughly engrossed, that I could not bring myself to 
the task of trying to cool her heart's impulses. She was working 
for humanity and in her Saviour's name ; and I hoped that her 
recuperative power might equal the strain upon her ..strength. 

But while we are engaged in our modes of thinking, God has 
his own counsels to be fulfilled ; and they are always wise, 
always gracious toward his own children. It may be his inten- 
28 



324 TWENTY-SIX J EARS IN B URMAH. 

tion to take your dear wife to himself. In my selfishness, I 
trust it is only to prepare her for greater usefulness in his cause. 
In either case, I know that she and you will alike submit cheer- 
fully to his will. 

I need not tell you how constantly we think and speak of you, 
nor how earnestly we pray our Heavenly Father soon to remove 
all these fears, and to restore her to perfect health again. We feel 
that one very near and dear to us is afflicted, even to apprehen- 
sion ; but, my dear brother, let us not forget that she is dearer to 
our Lord and Saviour, and he will govern every change, in his 
infinite wisdom and in his immutable love to her. Please tell 
her how much we both love her, and how earnestly we pray for 
her, that the Saviour may verify to her own soul's experience 
every one of his precious promises. For yourself, my dear 
brother, I trust you have strength equal to your day. You know 
the way to the throne of grace. The Lord Jesus will never leave 
never forsake us. I trust you feel all this in your present ex- 
perience. 

It is not to be inferred that Mrs. Bucknell's interest 
in those outside her home made her unmindful of its 
duties or its enjoyments. Whether in the relation of 
wife, mistress of a family, hostess, or friend, she seemed 
to neglect nothing that could contribute to the happi- 
ness of others. In less than a year from this time she 
was called to her reward. Dr. and Mrs. Binney never 
ceased to feel her loss, as a friend and co-worker. 

Dr. Wade, after the death of his wife in Tavoy, in Octo- 
ber, 1868, had come to Rangoon and found a home with 
his old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. They being 
compelled to leave for a time, on account of ill-health, 
Dr. Binney most cordially invited him to come and 
make his home at the Seminary. Dr. Wade had pre- 
viously expressed a desire to "identify his last days with 



A GA IN AT RANGOON. 325 

the educational work at Rangoon!" From the first ac- 
quaintance of these two men there had been mutual 
respect, confidence, and affection ; and now, in Dr. 
Wade's solitary old age, Dr. Binney felt very tenderly 
toward him, and anxious to alleviate his solitude as far 
as possible. 

He had hardly been a month in the family, when it 
was ascertained, that a cancer had fastened itself upon 
a part of the lower jaw, caused by irritation, produced 
by wearing a plate improperly fitted. Both Dr. and 
Mrs. Binney in inviting Dr. Wade anticipated a con- 
siderable addition to their already exhausting cares and 
labor, but they also looked forward to great happiness 
in the society of one so ripe for the better land ; but 
when the suffering, protracted and intense, through 
which he must pass came up so unexpectedly before 
them, their hearts melted within them. Mrs. Binney 's 
memorandum shows how they were afflicted. 

Dr. Maynard has pronounced the soreness in Dr. Wade's 
mouth to be a cancer, which must eventually prove fatal. Dr. 
Wade seems to have anticipated the decision, and received it 
calmly, only saying, after the doctor left, " My dear sister, I 
would not have dared to come to you had I known what I was 
bringing." I was taken so entirely by surprise, I could not reply, 
but stepped into my husband's room and told him all. He at 
once arose and followed me out, and in the most quiet, tender 
manner, took Dr. Wade's hand, saying, " This my dear brother, 
is a very serious thing to you and to us, but I am glad you are 
here. The Lord has ordered k wisely, and in great mercy. He 
will help us all through with it. He will not forsake us in this 
our time of need. We will try and help you to bear it, and afford 
every alleviation in our power. You believe me when I tell you 
that I am glad you are with us, don't you?" All shed a few 



326 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

tears of mutual sympathy, and went to our rooms to cast our 
sDrrows on the great "Burden-bearer." Dear, dear Dr. Wade, 
how he misses his wife now ! 

He lived fifteen months longer, each month increas- 
ing the intensity of his suffering and his helplessness, 
until nature could hold out no longer, and he "fell 
asleep." For a twelve month before he died, Dr. Bin- 
ney gave an hour, between eight and nine o'clock, every 
evening to him. With what interest did the dear suf- 
ferer look forward to that hour ! The very moment 
the clock struck he would go into the study, a room 
adjoining his own, and, though they may have met sev- 
eral times during the day, twice always, yet they would 
shake hands, and make a few kind inquiries before be- 
ginning the subject of conversation for the evening. In 
this, Dr. Wade always led, unless there was a special 
reason for reversing the order. He kept little memoran- 
dums for these subjects, often days in advance. They 
were sometimes experimental, sometimes doctrinal ; not 
infrequently would they dwell upon the employments of 
heaven, bordering perhaps upon the imaginative, but 
both clung with great tenacity to the necessity of hav- 
ing a " thus saith the Lord," in matters of belief. Mrs. 
Binney usually spent this hour upon a little couch in 
the room, often as an interested listener; though broken 
rest and freedom from the necessity of doing anything 
for the dear invalid made an hour's sleep more refresh- 
ing, sometimes, than even such rich converse. 

When the clock struck nine, then again would come 
the hand-shakings, the good-nights, and earnest wishes 
for refreshing sleep; for freedom from pain; for the pre- 



AGAIN AT RANGOON 327 

sence of Jesus, in the weary wakeful hours, if such were 
to be. These were every night repeated, with no mani- 
festation of fatigue or formality, but with the same 
fervor, as if it were the first night of care. This was a 
great tax upon Dr. Binney's powers, after a hard day's 
work in a tropical climate, but the occasions were very 
rare when he was obliged to disappoint Dr. Wade ; no 
personal gratification ever led him to do it. 

At last there came a night when the beloved sufferer 
was brought in upon a chair, his feet so swollen as to 
be useless, and his breathing so difficult that he could 
converse but little. 

" Talk to me, to-night, Brother Binney," he said, " I 
cannot talk." 

" What shall I talk about, my dear brother ?" 

" Tell me of the wonderful love — tell me, of the 
ground of hope." 

And he did tell him the "old, old story of Jesus and 
his love." He told it to him " slowly " that he might 
take it in, and commended him to his Lord in prayer. 
As the clock struck nine the dying saint, sensitive to 
the last lest he should intrude, beckoned his attendants 
to take him back to his room ; Dr. Binney as usual as- 
sisted. When they reached the door, he bade them 
stop, then looking around, said in broken sentences, 

" I shall never enter this room again ; all these pre- 
cious seasons are past; I cannot leave without thanking 
you for all the time, and for all the comfort, you have 
given me here." He wept, and this distressed Mrs. 
Binney, which he perceived. " Oh ! but these are not 
tears of sorrow, but of joy. What mercy is this, that 

28* 



328 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

one so unworthy should have such perfect confidence 
and sympathy in this hour, when heart and flesh fail ! 
May God reward you both when your turn shall 
come! " 

Then he was carried to his room,, prepared for bed, 
and placed tenderly in it, never to leave it again long 
enough to be dressed. A few days after, Dr. Binney 
stood by him for the last time, holding his hand and 
praying with him ; and when he left him for a moment's 
relief the patient sufferer said : 

"Bear with me, if you can, till I pass this dark valley. 
I see the light beyond ; the way is very sharp, but it 
will soon be over. Stay with me." 

Such leaning, even as a child upon its mother, all 
through his illness to the last moment, mingled with 
, manifest respect, was an unconscious yet manifest tri- 
bute to the character of Dr. Binney. 

After the last sad offices had been performed by his 
Missionary brethren for this servant of the Lord, whose 
life had been one of rare consecration and success, the 
house seemed desolate indeed. Dr. Binney's work, how- 
ever, had accumulated ; and, without a day's relaxation, 
he hastened to perform it. Mrs. Binney, too, had a new 
work laid upon her. Dr. Wade had worked upon an An- 
glo-Karen Dictionary for two years; continuing it as he 
was able even down to within a few days of his departure. 
He had reached the letter M, but without any revision, 
when he called Mrs. Binney to him and asked her to 
take it from his hand and complete it. She hesitated to 
assume so great a work, but Dr. Binney seeing Dr. 
Wade's anxiety lest his past labor should be lost, en- 



A GA IN A T RANG O ON. 329 

couraged her to promise him to try and do her best to 
carry out his wish. Dr. Wade placed funds at her dis- 
posal for a copyist and for the printing. This encourage- 
ment, which Dr. Binney had given his wife to undertake 
the Dictionary, made him very anxious to render it as 
easy as possible for her, and to this end he assumed 
many little unaccustomed cares. 

Now they were again alone, cheerfully working to- 
gether ; she still having some classes which he dis- 
liked to teach and for which the native teachers were 
not competent; he helping her when the exact meaning 
of a Karen word was difficult to define in Karen, and 
required research, and often continuing the work when 
she had retired to rest. 

Dr. Wade's sufferings had awakened their deepest 
sympathy, and when he was removed, they sorrowed 
for the removal of a faithful fellow-laborer, and a loving 
Christian brother ; but they were comforted by the 
knowledge that one whom they loved so much was 
forever freed from pain and with the pure and blessed, 
where he had so longed to be. They were deeply im- 
pressed with the solemn admonition they had received, 
to work while the day should last. Thus various 
causes combined to make them perhaps unconscious of 
the great exhaustion they had experienced. 

Only a few weeks of this earnest, happy labor had 
passed, when Mrs. Binney was again brought very low, 
this time " nigh unto death." Again was Dr. Binney 
called upon to care for, to comfort and sustain ; and 
bravely did he perform the duty allotted him. By the 
bhssing of God upon good nursing, and the most skil- 



330 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

ful and devoted medical treatment, she rallied, but was 
not able to resume her work. In this time of trial Dr. 
Binney received another kind letter from his faithful 
friend, Mr. Bucknell, urcrincr him to take Mrs. Binnev 
and come home at once to recruit. 

" I can not leave, but Mrs. Binney must accept the 
kind offer; and, as the rains are about to commence, she 
will not delay, but soon be on her way to America.'' 
Such was the reply sent by return mail ; and although 
she was most reluctant to leave him alone again, he was 
strong in his conviction that it was wisest and best 
for both that she should have a decided change. She 
therefore yielded again, and with only a kw hours pre- 
paration, embarked for London on her way to America. 

It was arranged when she left that she should be 
absent a year ; and Dr. Binney wrote her to be sure to 
remain till her system had time to fully recuperate. She 
was absent, however, only eight months, and returned 
in greatly improved health. 

When she met her husband, a single glance showed 
her that she had not come a day too soon. Evidently 
her going had been an expensive one to him, for he had 
grown in appearance many years older. His cheerful 
home being restored, his health soon improved, but the 
successive trials through which he had passed, and his 
unremitting labor, left indelible marks. He never re- 
covered the old elasticitv a^ain. 

Had it pleased the ever-wise and loving Father to 
lessen his trials then, he migl^t probably have rallied so 
far as to have had still some years of happy, successful 
work; but such was not his plan. 



A GAIN A T RANG OON. 3 3 I 

While Mrs. Binney was in America, contributions 
were given her, largely by personal friends, to complete 
the sum necessary for the erection of a building for 
the accommodation of " The Rangoon Baptist Col- 
lege," but recently established. The location had been 
fixed at Rangoon by the Executive Committee, and 
Rev. C. H. Carpenter was placed at its head. This 
relieved Dr. Binney, as he thought, of all further care 
or responsibility relating to that department of educa- 
tion ; but hardly had this object been secured, which 
his brethren had unitedly asked him to attempt, when 
Mr. Carpenter requested the Committee to allow him 
to return to his former field of labor, Bassein, and take 
the College with him. This measure pleased no other 
Karen Missionary ; but other places were consequently 
proposed, and local influences were so great, as to 
lead the Committee to inquire into the " expediency 
of abandoning all attempt to establish a College any- 
where." Dr. Binney saw the work, which had once 
before eluded his grasp, again coming to nought. He 
felt that it would be a final failure, if he failed now, and 
he could not yield the point without a desperate effort 
to save it. He was also about to erect a Chapel for the 
Seminary, and had the daily routine of the School upon 
his hands. He felt too much ; thought too much ; 
wrote too much ; and suddenly, without a moment's 
warning, he sank under it. One side was paralyzed. 
Though incapable of continued thought, he took in the 
situation at once. "This," said he, "is the beginning 
of the end." Under good medical treatment, however, he 
was up and about again, drove out occasionally, and began 



332 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

" to set his house in order." He called together a few 
Karen friends for counsellors, laid the case before them, 
and drew up a paper for subscription to the Chapel. 
The Karens contributed liberally, and, with a little as- 
sistance from the European residents, and a small appro- 
priation from the Board at home, he soon erected a neat 
and suitable building, which served the double purpose 
of Church and School. 

His physicians now urged entire cessation from 
thought and care, as well as a change ; but he felt the 
necessity of preparing for a successor, and worked on 
by proxy so long as possible. His plans were all de- 
signed to promote the future good of the Karens. Their 
present and future welfare lay very near his heart, and 
he could not consent to spare himself. With unremit- 
ting zeal he still labored on for a few months longer, 
when, a second stroke affecting the other side, com- 
pelled him to desist. 



CHAPTER XX. 

FINAL DErARTURE FROM RANGOON. 

I 

THE Committee made such efforts as they deemed 
practicable to relieve him, and the Rev. John 
Packer was sent to his aid, but still his labors and time 
were imperatively required for the College ; he was 
urged, however, to leave all and come home at once. 
The invitation of the Committee had been preceded by 
one from Mr. Bucknell, who for the second time asked 
him " to return at his expense." Dr. Binney desired 
his medical attendant to call for counsel the best advi- 
ser the profession in Rangoon could furnish, and before 
they entered into an examination of the case, he said 
to them : 

" Gentlemen, I charge you to deal candidly with me. 
I am neither afraid, nor unwilling, to die. I do not 
think it seemly, at my time of life, with the hopes I 
cherish for the future, to be playing hide and seek with 
death, dodging him at every corner. I would fain meet 
him face to face as a Christian man should do. Indeed, 
I do not look upon death as an enemy ; but death 
means the end of my service here. I have a little work 
which, even with very feeble health, a year or two 

333 



334 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

would enable me to perform, but would be much more 
difficult for another to do. I hope that a little entire 
rest would enable me to finish it by and by, where I am. 
Still, if you think this cannot be, for the sake of another 
year or two of work, I would be willing to make the 
change, provided there is a reasonable prospect of that 
being accomplished." 

After much conversation with each other they told 
him very candidly, that he could not live three months, 
unless disease was arrested, and that they thought 
there was a prospect that a long sea voyage would give 
considerable alleviation. They said nothing of men- 
tal labor. The decision did not satisfy him that it was 
best to go ; " considerable alleviation " might involve 
protracted suffering, with none of the comforts of home ; 
yet his work would not be accomplished. " Quiet was 
what he needed — not excitement." He took a little 
time to consider, but finally could not settle the matter. 
He would greatly prefer to remain ; but the bare possi- 
bility that he might be restored to complete his work, 
with the fact that another's happiness was concerned, 
made him hesitate. He left it to his wife to do as she 
thought best. To decide any matter, great or small, 
alone was a responsibility to which she was unaccus- 
tomed, but she knew what he would do were the case 
reversed. He would leave no means untried to procure 
" alleviation," were he well and she the sufferer. She 
at once wrote to a friend in Rome, making all needed 
inquiries as to the desirableness of that city, as affording 
quiet, comfortable winter quarters, where his mind 
might be diverted without being excited, and at a rea- 



FINA L DEPAR TURE FR OM RANG O ON. 335 

sonable expense for living. In the meantime, she set 
about making preparations for a public sale of furniture 
and everything they owned in the world, except their 
personal wardrobe, holding herself ready at any mo- 
ment, by day or by night, to act as nurse and helper in 
the closing up of personal business and the necessary 
preparations for leaving the Seminary. 

Not only was the Chapel to be finished, and its busi- 
ness settled ; but there were daily interviews with the 
teachers, at which he would become exhausted, and 
require help to get through. The Lord's Day before 
he left Rangoon, the Chapel being sufficiently advanced 
for public worship to be held in it — indeed, the hall for 
worship was completed — he was helped by his native 
teachers, one on each side, to walk over to it and to 
preach what was at once the dedication sermon and his 
farewell to the pupils and numerous Karens assembled. 
He surpassed himself. " I have not sought yours, but 
you," was his theme. A brief review of his labors among 
them, and for them, with his grateful testimony to 
their co-operation and appreciation at all times, together 
with a few words of counsel for the future, closed the 
affecting scene. One of the missionaries whose privi- 
lege it was to be present said at the end of the service : 
" This is a fitting close to such a life-work as that of 
Dr. Binney." 

After the services, he was carried to his bed, and strong 
apprehension was felt that he never would have strength 
to leave it again. But he was able the following week, 
with Mrs. Binney and a good Karen attendant, to em- 
bark for Rome, where he hoped to acquire strength 
29 



336 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

which would enable him to bear the excitement he 
must meet in returning to his native land. 

Before he left his house, when the luggage had been 
sent on board, and the carriage was waiting to convey 
him to the steamer, Mrs. Binney, with several of his 
Karen friends, went to his room where he was resting, 
to inform him of it, and to assist him out. He com- 
pletely broke down at the commencement. 

" Yes, dearest, the carriage is waiting to take us from 
the last home you and I will ever have together. How 
much better, instead of voluntarily taking ourselves out 
of it, had we waited for the Lord to call me to himsetf 
— to my Heavenly Home?" 

" Perhaps it would have been, since you feel so ; but 
we sought his direction, and acted according to the 
light we had. Can we not trust him now, and go for- 
ward cheerfully?" 

"Yes, we will ; bear with me, I am very weak." 

He soon composed himself, and never again ex- 
pressed regret at the course taken. 

He was hardly out to sea, before he felt stronger, and 
on his arrival in Calcutta the improvement was very 
great. All the way to Rome, he was cheerful and at- 
tentive to the comfort of his wife and the young Karen, 
both of whom were very sea-sick. On the French 
steamer, every one was charmed with the " old gentle- 
man on deck," as he was called ; and nothing could 
exceed the politeness shown him in little kind and 
thoughtful attentions. It was difficult for him to go up 
and down, and he stayed on deck, from early morning 
till late at night. So conscious was he of every day's 



FINAL DEPARTURE FROM RANGOON. ^Zl 

gain, that on his arrival at Naples he had a great dread 
of landing, fearing that on land there would be a re- 
lapse. But this fear was not realized. Between three 
and four months in Italy passed rapidly away, and on 
the whole he improved decidedly in strength, and espe- 
cially in his ability to walk. Nearly three months were 
spent in Rome in quiet lodgings. The effects of this 
long rest were in many respects very favorable. The 
city abounds in objects of interest; and he went out 
from time to time sight-seeing as he felt able. He was 
pleased and interested with what he saw, though he did 
not seem to enjoy it as it had been hoped that he 
would. Had he been well and strong, it would have 
given him intense enjoyment to look upon the objects 
in this city, so full of memories of by-gone centuries. 
But his mind dwelt more on the future than on the 
past; more on the .subjective than on the objective. 

The Sunday evening Conferences at the Rev. W. C. 
Van Meter's, he enjoyed very greatly, when he was not 
called on to speak. He was nervous in regard to any 
public effort, and would often say, 

" I look so well that people will hardly believe me 
unable to help to make the meeting interesting." 

He loved the Conference, and repeatedly expressed 
his belief that the successful effort to keep open a place 
of that kind, where all visitors, from any part of Chris- 
tendom, who loved the Lord, could meet and speak to 
one another, was well worth all the expense incurred.* 

* Mr. Van Meter was sent out by the American Baptist Publication So- 
ciety, as a Bible and Sunday-school Missionary to Rome. These weekly 
Conferences were established as an incidental part of his work. 



338 TWENTY SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Those who did not truly love the Lord were not infre- 
quently invited by their friends to attend, and were 
deeply impressed. It was good to be there. 

A short time in Florence, followed this pleasant so- 
journ in the " city of the seven hills," and then he em- 
barked from Leghorn for New York, stopping at all the 
principal ports of Italy and Sicily; touching at Gibralter, 
Cadiz, and Valencia ; and arriving at their destination 
May 23d, 1876. This kept him at sea, about six weeks, 
and although the steamer, designed for trade rather than 
passengers, was a good deal crowded, and the pas- 
sengers not generally congenial, yet he enjoyed every 
day, and often regretted that he had not embarked for 
a longer passage. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

SURVEY OF HIS WORK IN BURMAH. 

AT this period, — the final leave-taking, the closing 
up of his work in Burmah — it may be well to take a 
cursory review, and bring before the mind, in a more suc- 
cinct form, the character and extent of his labors there, 
though this be done at the risk of some repetition. 

When first invited to enter the Foreign field, it was, 
in the language of the Committee of the Board of the 
Baptist Triennial Convention for Foreign Missions, " to 
establish and conduct a school for the training up of a 
native ministry among the Karens." He was also " ex- 
pected to unite with his brethren, in inaugurating a sys- 
tem of general education among them." This was the 
work to which he was called, and to which he strictly 
adhered. 

After one year of close application to the language, 
preaching, however, nearly every Lord's Day in English 
to the English-speaking community, he commenced his 
school in Maulmain, then the capital of British Burmah^ 
The school was commenced with thirteen pupils. The 
characters of these, with the peculiar circumstances 
under which they came to him, their eagerness to learn, 
and the subsequent career of these men, have been too 
fully described to need farther notice. 

29* 339 



34-0 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BUR MAN. 

The Old Testament had not yet been printed, neither 
had the New, except in detached portions. The lan- 
guage had been reduced to writing but a short time 
previous by Dr. Wade. There were no Text Books, or 
nearly none, for his use. The instruction was almost 
entirely oral. 

These preachers— for such they already were — were 
taught the way and word of God more perfectly ; and 
all were instructed in Arithmetic, Geography, Astrono- 
my, and even a little Natural Philosophy, and anything 
else which he found time to teach, and which he deemed 
necessary to the enlargement of their minds, and to 
their better understanding of the character of God as 
revealed in nature or in grace. As soon as the Bible 
was printed, it was taught systematically and connected- 
ly, so dividing it that the whole should be gone over in 
the three or four years course, more or less critically. 
A few simple rules of interpretation were, as far as pos- 
sible, explained and enforced. 

A day in Maulmain may serve as a specimen of his 
work. He usually rose at five o'clock, took a hasty 
cup of tea, and perhaps a bit of dry toast, donned a 
working suit, and by the ringing of a gong summoned 
his pupils together for an hour or two of physical exer- 
cise. When Mr. Vinton's school was in session, he with 
his young men often united with them. With tools in 
hand, he directed them, and worked with them, in drain- 
ing and grading the large compound, the making of 
roads, planting of hedges, shade and fruit trees, and 
flowering shrubs ; and in keeping the ground generally 
clean and tidy. These were often merry times, when a 



SUR VE Y OF HIS WORK IN BURMAH. 34 1 

passer-by might imagine, from the shouts and laughter, 
that some new play had been introduced on the Mission 
compound. Thus, while health and cheerfulness were 
promoted, an unsightly jungle was made attractive. 
Then a gong called all to breakfast, and to necessary 
preparation for the school-room. Less time was given 
to private study than in later years, as there were no 
Text Books for the purpose. 

From nine till twelve, and again from one to four 
o'clock, he gave to teaching. A portion of each lesson 
consisted of dictation, which the pupils wrote down for 
study and for review the next day. He seldom was with 
his pupils less than five hours each day, and often more. 
After dinner the pupils worked an hour again, in which 
he sometimes engaged, and at early lamp-light an hour 
was spent in worship, reading, singing, and prayer, 
which, while in Maulmain he conducted, or at which he 
assisted. 

He usually spent about two hours after tea in prepa- 
ration for the next day, or in personal conversation with 
his pupils, as there was need or desire. This habit he 
kept up all through his connection with the Seminary, 
of considering one hour of the twenty-four sacred to 
the teachers or pupils if they desired assistance or advice, 
or if he desired to see them especially for any reason. 

Some of the pupils, for years, brought their wives and 
little children with them when they came to the Seminary; 
and these had to be cared for in sickness as well as in 
health, which was often a very onerous duty. Accounts 
had to be carefully kept and much correspondence con- 
ducted, in all of which for a long time he had little 



342 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

assistance, except such as Mrs. Binney could render. It 
will readily be seen that, in such a climate as that of 
Burmah, his position was no sinecure ; but it is not re- 
collected that he ever complained of either the charac- 
ter or extent of his labors. Being done for Jesus, they 
were elevated and elevating, in his esteem. 

The reader who has followed his history thus far 
needs not here to be told of his reasons for returning 
home in 1850, of his remaining from Burmah nearly 
nine years, of his resuming his work in 1859, at Kem- 
endine, near Rangoon, rather than at Maulmain. 

Here he had emphatically to begin anew. He had, also, 
more advanced scholars, and of a more promising age. 
The work of education had considerably advanced at 
the station schools. Dr. Wade had sent him a fine 
class of young men, but his assistant, whom he had 
with great pains prepared for service in the Seminary, 
could not be induced to come to Rangoon. A class 
of Jmree or four fine young men, selected with one 
exception from Dr. Wade's best pupils, was formed; 
and the work of training them for assistants com- 
menced; and though they taught as fast as they 
learned, yet the extra labor was considerable. This 
daily routine differed little from that in Maulmain, 
except that he was obliged to preach more in Karen, 
and for a time he added the care of a small English 
church and congregation to his Karen work, for which 
service he received enough to aid in grading roads and 
bringing the grounds into fine condition. He added 
considerably to the curriculum of study, and gave more 
attention to the preparation of text books. A work on 



SUR VE Y OF HIS WORK IN B URMAH. 343 

Systematic Theology, and another on Sermonizing, 
were prepared for the press. A Vernacular Grammar 
for the use of the Seminary was prepared by Dr. Wade 
at his special request. A work on Mental Philosophy, 
and another on Moral Philosophy, were nearly com- 
pleted, and used in the school. He gave considerable 
time, also, to a volume of Transferred Terms with Karen 
definitions — something in the form of an encyclopaedia 
for his own future use and that of others in preparing 
books. This, finally, grew into several volumes, but 
has not yet been printed. 

His labors here were excessive. Probably no man 
could for many years have sustained them. He broke 
down, and in 1865 left the Seminary in charge of 
Messrs. Carpenter and Smith, not then long in the 
country, and returned home. The Seminary during 
his last year was removed to Rangoon City. 

After two years rest and recuperation he resumed his 
labors. As has been seen, Mr. Smith went at once to 
Henthadah; and a year later so pressing was the de- 
mand that Mr. Carpenter went to Bassein, and Dr. 
Binney was again left alone without the aid of any 
American Missionary ; but Mrs. Binney resumed the 
place in the school which she had in Maulmain and 
Kemendine. He had, too, a well-trained corps of 
native teachers. These, with a little oversight, kept the 
well-cultivated place in nice order, attended to the 
boarding department, kept the account of daily ex- 
penditures, attending to the sending out of classes, and 
the school routine generally. He discontinued any 
regular English preaching, and only took turns with 



344 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

three of the teachers in Karen preaching. He also had 
for one year the assistance again of Rev. Mr. Smith, 
who, however, returned to the pressing claims of his 
former charge. 

He had never deemed the discipline of the Seminary 
difficult, but now it was so perfect that there seemed to 
be none. The machinery worked with so little friction, 
that it apparently ran itself. One of the last terms he 
ever spent in the Seminary, he boasted, that for the 
entire term he had never reproved a teacher or pupil. 
It must be confessed, however, that the last week of the 
term came very near depriving him of this boasting. 
Having more than eighty persons on the place, it was 
not easy in that climate to keep all departments in per- 
fect order. The culinary department, with that part of 
the compound contiguous, was in charge of one of the 
younger teachers ; and as he had a good deal to do toward 
the close of the term for his classes, he had neglected his 
duty in regard to it. Mrs. Binney, thinking her hus- 
band had not noticed it, suggested, as they were about 
taking an evening drive, that they should drive in the 
direction which would take them through that part of 
the compound. He drove, however, out of the usual 
gate, saying as he did so, 

"I do not wish to see that part of the compound just 
now. You can hardly imagine how nervous that little 
matter has made me to-day. There has been no occa- 
sion for reproof during this entire term, and I am un- 
willing, just at its close, to make those fine fellows a 
marked exception. I hope they will manage it some 
way before night of their own accord." 



SUR VE Y OF HIS WORK IN BUR MA II. 345 

During the drive he was silent and evidently anxious. 
When he came back in sight of the compound he per- 
ceived that every member of the Seminary, young and 
old, was at work. He turned back and drove half an 
hour longer, and then came in through the gate which 
a little time before he was unwilling to pass. Meeting 
the teacher who had neglected his duty, he spoke in 
terms of commendation of the state of his charge. 

A few days later in taking leave of the graduating 
class, and of the other pupils for their vacation, he 
thanked the entire school for their uniform regard to 
his wishes, which had been so perfect that he had not 
had occasion for a word of reproof during the long 
term. The teacher above alluded to arose instantly and 
with a smile said, he objected to the phraseology of the 
Teacher's commendation. He thought he should say, 
" there had been no reproof administered " rather than 
that "there had been no occasion." He remembered an 
occasion for reproof, not many days since, which only 
the Teacher's forbearance had prevented. All looked 
as if they understood it, but no reply was made. 

During the latter part of his life in Rangoon, much 
time and labor were given to the establishing of the 
Rangoon Baptist College. Knowing the importance of 
educating the young, he began early to work in that di- 
rection, as has been seen by the history of the Karen Nor- 
mal School in Maulmain. He afterwards made several 
tentative efforts, and as these failed, he quietly awaited the 
action of others. When his brethren, however, under 
the leading of Rev. D. L. Brayton, asked him to make 
one more effort for establishing a School for Higher 



346 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

Education in connection with the Theological Seminary, 
he gladly accepted the invitation, though for reasons 
which have been named elsewhere, it was thought de- 
sirable that the two institutions should be contiguous, 
yet they were entirely distinct in their character and 
control, — the Seminary having no more control over 
the College than the College over the Seminary. The 
College was, like the Seminary, a General Institution 
for all the stations alike, and for the education of Chris- 
tian youth, without regard to their future calling. It 
was hoped that young men from the College would 
enter the Seminary, and so prepare for preachers and 
pastors ; but if they afterwards became clerks, or mer- 
chants, or timber dealers, or engaged in any lucrative 
calling, there was to be no claim further than upon any 
other a Christian man. It was believed to be as important 
that there should be intelligent and prosperous business 
men to support the work in Burmah, as that there 
should be preachers. He worked for the College, with 
the same spirit and intent that men work in this coun- 
try for Academies and Colleges, feeling that if in the 
technical sense, this was not Mission work, it was ex- 
ceedingly important Christian work, which sooner or 
later, would need to be performed, and which it was 
exceedingly wise and desirable to begin as soon as 
possible. 

At this point it may be well to revert to the plan for 
education in Burmah which Dr. Binney desired to see 
fully and successfully carried out. He had a strong 
personal attachment to Martin B. Anderson, LL.D., 
President of the University of Rochester, whose life- 



S UR VE Y OF HIS WORK IN Bl ~RMA II. 347 

long devotion to the cause of education peculiarly fitted 
him to discuss intelligently and wisely all the educa- 
tional questions which the work in Burmah suggested. 
The result of these discussions, Dr. Anderson gives in 
the following letter, presenting Dr. Binney's views and 
his own on this important subject 

FROM MARTIN B. ANDERSON, LL. D. 

Rochester, N. Y., May 24, 1880. 

My Dear Mrs. Binney : — It was only two days ago that I 
learned that you were preparing a memoir of your late honored 
husband. This brought to my mind very many reminiscences 
of conversation with him, regarding the duty of American Bap- 
tists to provide a comprehensive educational system for the 
members of our mission-churches in the East. His opinions on 
that subject were very decided; and they seemed to me to be 
eminently just. His experience as an educator had been 
acquired both in the East and the West. He had given more 
profound and thoughtful attention to the subject than any man 
whom I have ever met. He was also a man of unusual breadth, 
solidity, and clearness of mind. I accepted his views so far as I 
understood them, also, because they commended themselves to 
my own judgment as a teacher and a student of history. 

I write to you now simply to make the request, that in the 
Memoir you are preparing, you will give a full, frank, and de- 
cided expression to Dr. Binney's views regarding the education 
—both secular and theological — which he thought best adapted 
to the Christian population of Burmah. 

• I am aware that there are serious differences of opinion on 
this subject: One class of conscientious and intelligent men in- 
sist that the education of our Eastern converts shall be conducted 
in their vernacular tongues, and that the English language shall 
be excluded from the courses of study in all the mission-schools. 
Dr. Binney, if I understand his views aright, believed that the 
higher education should be conducted through the English 
tongue, and that instruction in this language should be begun so 
30 



34$ TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

early as to give pupils such a facility in English, that the higher 
departments of science and literature could be profitably and 
easily taught through it as a medium. * I do not know that I 
represent adequately his views ; but such is the impression left 
upon my mind. They seem to me now so well adapted to pro- 
mote the well-being of our Eastern Christians, that I hope most 
earnestly that you will be able to give them adequately to the 
public. 

The work of our Eastern Missions is vastly more compre- 
hensive than ordinary Christians suppose. It is nothing else 
than the creation, among a heathen, semi-barbarous, and igno- 
rant population, of the most advanced type of Christian civiliza- 
tion. This at least ought to be the ideal which we should hold 
before our minds, and for whose realization we should constantly 
labor. The foundation of this great work must be laid in the 
preaching of the gospel, in the translation of the Holy Scriptures, 
and in the formation of a distinctively Christian literature. 

But this is not all. The cultivation of the moral and religious 
nature of man should be carried on simultaneously with the 
highest practicable development of the intellectual powers. 
Christianity must ultimately lay its hands in India, as it has in 
Europe and America, upon the entire moral and intellectual life 
of the people. What, through great sacrifices and long years of 
labor, the Baptist Denomination has accomplished in England 
and America, should be aimed at in the East. We may not 
reproduce the same courses of study in the East which we adopt 
here ; but there must be a high Christian education made availa- 
ble for our converts if we would do for them, relatively to their 
situation and capacity, what we are doing for our people at home. 
Without a comprehensive and vigorous system of education, that 
shall keep pace with the growth and demands of the intellectual 
life of our converts, their churches will become superstitious, the 
ministry feeble, and the brightest intellects in our Eastern 
churches will be rapidly drawn away from us. The fact that we 
were compelled to remain a century behind other religious de- 
nominations in establishing institutions of liberal learning, was 
one of the bitterest results of the persecutions which our fathers 



SUR VE Y OF HIS WORK IN BURMAH. 349 

suffered. Let us not blindly follow, in the East, the course which 
our fathers were obliged to fall into, through the legal disabilities 
under which they suffered. 

The question arises, "Can such an education as our Eastern 
converts require, be communicated through their vernacular 
languages?" My own impression is, that it cannot. History is 
full of illustrations of the fact, that semi-barbarous peoples have 
almost universally received their education and culture through 
the languages of nations who were educated and civilized, Ro- 
man literature and the philosophical elements of the Roman law 
came from the Greek mind through the Greek language. The 
education of the Middle Ages was accomplished through the 
medium of the Latin tongue. The study of the Roman law 
furnished almost all the moral and scientific elements in the 
codes of Europe — England included. What Greek literature 
was to the Roman ; what the Roman literature and language 
were to the barbarians of Western Europe, — the English is, rela- 
tively, to our converts in the East. It comes to them freighted 
with the intellectual accumulations of all the past. It brings to 
them the terminology of spiritual religion, of the science of mind, 
and the science of God. It brings to them the complete circle 
of the moral and political sciences, in systematic form, couched 
in exact and sharply defined terms. It brings to them, also, the 
entire circle of the sciences conversant with material nature. 

If I understand the matter aright, it will be utterly impossible 
to translate typical treatises in these various departments of 
knowledge, without an infusion into the languages of the East, 
of an enormous addition of scientific and technical terms, adopted 
from the languages of the West. As our missionaries speak the 
English language, they must, should they make this attempt, 
borrow from their own mother-tongue. The English language 
became scientific by borrowing enormously from the Latin and 
Norman French. The vocabulary of law and science all over 
Europe is Latin and Greek. What these languages have done 
for Modern Europe, the English language must do for our East- 
ern Christians. It is not necessary for the mass of these peoples 
to learn the English language ; but their preachers and teachers, 



350 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

and moral and political leaders, must be trained in English, or 
their education will be inadequate and narrow. 

The Government of Great Britain has absorbed a portion of 
Burmah, and in all probability will soon absorb the whole. A 
great advantage will be given to those young Burmans and 
Karens who are able to speak the language of the people, who — 
after making all allowance for maladministration — have brought 
to the East the blessings of stable government and just and 
equal laws. 

We may be certain, if this education is not offered by us to 
our. native Christians, that it will be brought to them by others, 
and with it the fatal gifts of rationalistic or hierarchical error. 

Excuse me for having said so much. I began this letter with 
the design simply of asking you to develop fully your husband's 
views on this vast subject of providing an education for our con- 
verts in the East. We have aroused their intellects by the gos- 
pel of Christ. We must provide for them a high education, im- 
bued with the principles of that gospel whose elements they have 
received into their minds and hearts. 

Dr. Binney deserves the title of the " Pioneer Educator of 
our Missions in Burmah." He brought to that work a mind of 
rare endowments, natural and acquired. These mental qualities 
were combined with an unselfish and Christ-like devotion to 
what he believed to be to the best interest of these converts to 
our faith. It seems to me that you owe it to your husband, to 
the Christians of the East, to the American Baptists, and to the 
Christian world, to develop your husband's views on the subject 
of this letter. 

I trust you will excuse me for the almost imperative earnest- 
ness with which I have written. The letter has been drawn out 
by my sense of the importance of the subject, and by my per- 
sonal reverence for the opinions and character of a great and 
good man. Very truly yours, 



CHAPTER XXII. 

STARTS AGAIN FOR BURMAH, LAST DAYS. 

IS//. 

HE spent the following summer — after a few weeks 
in Philadelphia, at Mr. Bucknell's — with his 
friends, at Upland, mostly as a guest in Mr. Samuel A. 
Crozer's family. The country was very charming, and 
everything that friendship and hospitality could devise 
was done to make him happy, but time hung heavily. 
He was not able to engage in any employment which 
presented itself at home. Every department of work 
in this country was attended with a degree of excitement, 
which his poor wearied brain could no longer bear. 
He longed to be among the Karens, where he felt that, 
in his own way and time, he would carry out some in- 
completed plans. The autumn and early winter were 
spent in Boston with his relatives ; and though he enjoyed 
his visit greatly at times, the cold weather was un- 
favorable ; his nervous excitement, alternating with 
great prostration, increased, and about mid-winter he 
returned to Philadelphia, where he spent the remainder 
of the season. In the spring, he was able to go on to 
Washington, D. C. ; Dr. J. C. Welling, the President of Co- 
lumbian University, had invited him some months before 

30* 351 



352 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

to do so, and to come to his house, but he had not seen 
any time after his return when his strength was suffi- 
cient for it. Early in May, however, he made prepara- 
tions to accomplish this cherished purpose ; he bore 
the journey well, and was able to meet his old friends 
once more with great joy. Mrs. Binney had looked 
forward to this with much apprehension. The associa- 
tions connected with his work there, with all he had 
abandoned in leaving it, and all the trials since under- 
gone, — though indeed mingled with great and dis- 
tinguished mercies, — she had feared would be too try- 
ing in his enfeebled state. All his old friends were con- 
siderate and kind, and though there was no lack of 
respect, yet he felt more than ever, the change which 
had come over him. 

"When I was here before," said he one day to his 
wife, " I could work more hours in a day than any man 
on the ' Hill,' and not feel it. My example was an in- 
spiration here. No man ever heard me complain of 
hard work. Now, I can do nothing. They all show 
plainly that they pity me." 

" They all show respect and kindness." 

" Yes, they do, but it is very hard for me to give up. 
This rebellious spirit must be very displeasing to God. 
I think I ought to be the happiest of men. I am over- 
whelmed at times with the sense of God's distinguish- 
ing mercies. But there is so much to be done ; and I 
feel able to work — and yet — I can't — I am tethered." 

Still his visit was very gratifying, and he remem- 
bered it with great pleasure. 

He went from Washington to Providence, Rhode 



STARTS AGAIN FOR BURMA H, LAST DA VS. 353 

Island, and attended the Annual Meeting of the Mis- 
sionary Union in that city in May, 1877. He entered 
into all its plans for enlargement with the most intense 
interest, especially for the establishing of the mission in 
Upper Burmah. He longed to be with his old pupils 
and to encourage them to engage in this, to them, 
foreign field. He was anxious to speak more fully on 
this point, but exercised great self-control, and said but 
little ; still, that little was so manifestly from an over- 
flowing heart, that it told upon the audience. He could 
not, however, refrain from telling in a few words his expe- 
rience as a pastor, in interesting his people in Foreign 
Missions, and his manner of doing it. Several brethren 
afterward asked him to write down what he had said 
and allow it to be published for the use of pastors, but 
that was quite impossible for him to do, 

When the effort was made for the extinction of the 
heavy debt, which was embarrassing the Committee 
greatly, his whole soul went into it. 

" Oh," said he, " if I had the power in the pulpit 
which I once had ! but I dare not trust myself to go 
beyond private conversation, nor to attempt very much 
even there." 

After the meeting a friend expressed some surprise 
that he had pledged himself for so large a subscrip- 
tion. Invalid as he was ; he might need it for personal 
comfort. 

" Yes," he replied, " if no one gives to Foreign Mis- 
sions, except those who can give without calling into 
exercise faith and trust, very few would give. There 
are a few who are honored with large means ; but if 



354 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

they do not give till they feel it somewhat, they do not 
probably give according to their ability. I, for one, 
cannot afford to withhold the Lord's due. No, no ;" 
said he in the most emphatic manner, " I never saw 
a true Christian who made anything by that. I prefer 
to trust him, rather than my own devising." 

The following summer was spent with Mrs. Binney's 
sister, in the quiet, pretty village of Warsaw, Wyoming 
County, New York. For awhile the change seemed so 
favorable, that he began to entertain strong hopes of 
a return to Burmah. Indeed, he had never fully 
abandoned all hope of so doing ; and accordingly 
wrote the Foreign Secretary, that he would be pre- 
pared to go early in the ensuing autumn. 

He did not in this matter act inadvisedly. In May, 
after his return from Washington, his physician, Doctor 
Wm. W. Keen, of Philadelphia, was surprised to see 
him so well. He had never given the slightest encour- 
agement to his hope of being able to return to Burmah, 
but "Now," said he, "Dr. Binney may live ten years." 
He consulted also his brother-in-law, Doctor S. W. 
Pattison, a man of great experience and skill in such 
cases. After a careful examination, he said it seemed 
to him quite probable that the sea voyage would do 
him much good, and perhaps enable him to accom- 
plish what he so much desired, and what was so desira- 
ble to be accomplished. 

The Rev. D. A. W. Smith, the new President of the 
Theological Seminary, had written to him, saying, that 
if he could return, and was able to undertake anything 
more than to carry his books through the press, it 



STAR TS A GAIN FOR B URMAH, LAST DA YS. 355 

would be a great help to him if he would give one hour 
daily to the senior class, on his own books, which 
would require but little labor in preparation. 

He was very eager to be once more at work in Ran- 
goon, and did not for a moment doubt that it was the 
wish of the Executive Committee to have him there. 
But when the subject of his return was brought before 
the Committee, some of them doubted the propriety of 
his return. The doubt arose solely from a conside- 
ration of his years and infirmities. They were fearful 
that he would be compelled very soon to return to 
this country again. They were all, as Dr. Murdock 
wrote to him, " Inspired * * * with the sincerest 
love and veneration for him ; " and, finally, a vote 
was passed making the appropriation needed for his 
return. The letter announcing this action of the 
Committee also informed him of the hesitation on 
the part of some of its members, and stated what was 
their only reason for doubting the propriety of his re- 
turn. 

The perusal of the letter placed him in a peculiar 
position, the delicacy of which some perhaps would not 
readily appreciate. Although the appropriation had 
been made, and he was anxious to go, yet he could not 
feel entirely willing to return to Burmah while a 
respectable minority of the brethren of the Committee 
doubted the expediency of his doing so. 

An extract from a letter written since his decease by 
Dr. Murdock, who fully appreciated the strong points of 
his character, will serve to throw some light upon his 
state of mind. 



356 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

Dr. Binney was clear-sighted and very decided in his views of 
the policy to be pursued, but when the Executive Committee 
failed to enter into his views, he surrendered the matter to those 
who had a right to decide, without a reproach or even a complaint. 
There was a spirit in him so magnanimous and gracious in this 
particular, that he ought to be held up as a model to all mission- 
aries. He knew alike how to lead and how to submit; two quali- 
ties of the first importance to a missionary. 

During the extreme heat of that very hot summer of 
1877, Dr. Binney was accustomed for the sake of re- 
tirement and because he found it cooler, to spend a 
great deal of time in a very large unoccupied out- 
building, a short distance from the house. He had it 
fitted up a little, and said that it was more like his Bur- 
man home than any other place ; he could have plenty 
of air and no direct drafts upon him. A few days after 
the reception of Dr. Murdock's letter, Mrs. Binney, 
thinking he had been alone long enough, went out and 
found him walking back and forth, looking greatly de- 
pressed. She had hardly joined him, when he took 
from his pocket a letter to the Secretary, and putting it 
into her hand, said : 

" If you can copy this for me soon, I will send it by 
this evening's mail." 

The purport of the letter was, that under the peculiar 
circumstances of the case he had finally decided to 
remain at home and abandon further expectation of 
returning to Burmah. One extract will show the views 
which prompted his desire to return, and the spirit in 
which he nevertheless decided to remain. 

I thought that my last days, however few, might be spent use- 
fully for the cause, and that it was worth the risk and expense, 



STAR TS A GAIN FOR B URMAH, LAST DA YS. 357 

but I have learned to leave all in the hands of him, for the love 
of whom I have more than once given up all that was dear to me 
in my professional life in this country. 

After a careful reading of the letter, it was very evi- 
dent to her who knew him so well, that this was to be a 
sore disappointment; and, that though he was then im- 
proving, yet when the hope which was buoying him up 
was removed, his health would probably decline at once. 
It looked like a very formidable undertaking to her, to 
start on such a voyage under the circumstances ; but not 
to go seemed more formidable still. They freely talked 
the whole matter over again ; and she suggested among 
the reasons against his going, the probability that he 
might die suddenly, and therefore might die at sea. 

" Yes," he replied, " I have not been unmindful of 
that ; that would not be so pleasant — for you." 

No allusion was ever again made to a burial at sea. 
The letter was not sent. 

For a few days there was no further conversation on 
the subject of going back to Burmah. At length one 
day he was found again, walking backward and for- 
ward, but now with a countenance beaming with 
happiness. 

" Well, dear." he said, " I have made up my mind not 
to notice any further what some of the Committee 
thought. Their objection, it seems, was finally 
removed, and so I will let it pass. This, I think is my 
final decision ; I have reconsidered the whole matter." 

He had embodied his decision in the following letter 
to Dr. Murdock, the Corresponding Secretary, dated 
Warsaw, Wyoming County, New York, July 21st, 1877. 



358 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

My Dear Brother. — Your very kind letter of the 9th inst. 
was not received here till the 12th. I have delayed to answer, 
feeling it due to the Executive Committee and to myself to review 
the whole question of my return to Burmah. When I proposed 
to go out again, I thought it would enable me to spend my last 
days, however few, in finishing up the work of my missionary 
life, for which I have more than once given up what was so dear 
to me in my professional engagements in this country — to finish, 
if God be willing, in a comparatively short time, what no young 
man could do for some years. It would involve some expense, 
and some risk of my dying without accomplishing the work ; but 
I thought the object was worth all the expense, and justified the 
risk. My review of the question confirms me in my first view. 
I have therefore concluded to accept the vote of the Executive 
Committee, with thanks for their kind feeling. In proposing to 
return to Burmah, I have no thought of ever coming again to 
this country. When my work is done, I hope through grace to 
go to the home of my Father in heaven. I cannot think it wise 
or Christian to chase around the world for the sake of a few more 
years in this life. In my last return, I neither sought nor wished 
it. I had little hope of getting able to work again, and wished 
to die quietly where I had done my best work. It was at the re- 
peated request of others that I came, and one of those who 
urged it paid the bill, all of it, so that my passage home, at least, 
was not at the expense of the Mission. I am greatly indebted to 
you, my dear brother, for your kindness in this matter, as in all 
your intercourse with me. 

As ever, affectionately your brother, 

J. G. Bixxey. 

Preparations for departure were cheerfully, com- 
menced, and nearly completed with comparative ease, 
when a storm of wind and rain came on, which lasted 
several days. He took a severe cold, inflammatory rheu- 
matism ensued, and it looked for a time as if the Lord 
in his providence had ordered otherwise; the physician, 



STARTS AG A IN FOR B URMAH, LAST DAYS. 359 

however, succeeded in giving great relief, and advised 
that he should leave the place as soon as possible, as 
that climate was very unfavorable for rheumatism. He, 
therefore, hurried on to New York two weeks before 
the steamer was to sail ; a physician there, who had been 
highly recommended, was called; and all that was pos- 
sible was done for him. Much benefit was hoped from 
the sea voyage. It had always acted like a charm upon 
him, when ill ; and every one recommended his going 
at the appointed time. Other symptoms were more 
favorable, but the rheumatism gave him little rest. On 
the day of departure the seeing of many old friends 
and the kind farewells were very trying ; but he kept 
up till the steamer left the wharf, when he retired at 
once to his berth. On the voyage he had seasons of 
relief, so that he came out sometimes to the table, but 
was never really better. A physician of note was, on 
his arrival in Glasgow, called to visit him. He too 
thought that when the region of milder weather was 
reached he would experience great relief. They sailed 
from Glasgow, hoping that, as they moved southward, the 
relief would come; but it was not so ordered, and the 
disease finally affected the vital organs, and his suffer- 
ings were intense. An extract from a letter written 
by Mrs. Binney will finish the narrative. It was 
dated on the Steamship Amarapoora, Indian Ocean, 
November 27th, 1877. 

To the Sisters and Relatives of my precious Husband. 

Dear Ones. — I know that you will hear from other sources of 
the decease of our dearly beloved, and will look with painful 
anxiety for such intelligence as I only can give you. I wish to 
' 31 



360 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

spare you this solicitude, and therefore nerve myself to write at 
once, fearing that, after so much fatigue and distress, there may 
be such a re-action that I shall not be able to have a letter ready 
to mail on our arrival at Rangoon, which will be in about a 
week. 

Only yesterday morning, at about half-past nine o'clock, my 
dear one left me, and at four o'clock, the same evening, we com- 
mitted his body to the bosom of the great deep. With what 
agony I did so, only He who knows and pities us in all our sorrows 
can ever understand. 

After we saw that there was no further ground for hope of his 
recovery, and little even of alleviation of suffering, I still hoped 
he would live to reach Rangoon, that I might bury him in the 
Mission Cemetery, by the side of his beloved co-workers there. 
This, indeed, was the burden of my prayer for a few days, and 
so I ventured to tell him. He looked me earnestly in the face 
and said : 

" I do think you should pray — that the time may be shortened. 
Ask the Lord, rather, to take me speedily to himself." • 

"Oh!" I said, "I can never do that. The Lord's time must 
be the best time. Let us try to wait patiently on him." 

"All right ; so we will," he replied, and so he did. 

But I soon was constrained to do the very thing I had thought 
impossible, and my prayer was that the Lord would take him to 
himself, where there would be no more pain or sorrow. And 
the Lord heard my prayer, and took him sooner than we had ex- 
pected. 

About ten days before his departure he had a turn of coughing 
which lasted over three hours. In my distress, having tried every 
means for his relief in vain, I said to him : 

"The Lord hears prayer. Let us ask Brother Harris to come 
in and pray with us ; pray that you may be relieved." 

He nodded assent ; I called Brother Harris, but before I could 
tell him what I wanted him to pray for, my husband said : 

" Brother Harris, pray that the Lord's will may be done. I 
have believed my self to be his. I trust him. I desire to have no 
will of my own, but that he will dispose of me as he sees best." 



STARTS AGAIN FOR BURMAH, LAST DA \S. 361 

Though he did not ask for relief, soon, from sheer exhaustion, 
he fell asleep. We then discovered that there was a partial pa- 
ralysis of the throat, and I avoided so great suffering again by 
giving him only the most carefully prepared liquids. His suffer- 
ings were very great from the very day we left New York till it 
pleased the Lord to take him, and he bore them all with great 
fortitude. But I will not dwell further upon these painful details. 
During the whole way he clung to me with such love and trust 
as was wonderful. The only way I ever obtained his consent to 
my leaving him for a moment was by reminding him, that unless 
I got a little rest, I might be compelled to leave him altogether. 
Indeed, this feeling of dependence had been growing upon him 
for months. During two or three of the last weeks he would not 
allow me to sit for a moment where he could not see my face. 
This required of me an unremitted effort to appear cheerful. I 
once said, on leaving him for an hour, to sleep : 

" Brother Harris will do everything for you." 

" Oh, it is not that. I want you by me to think with me, to 
sympathize with me, to pray with me. I can't do without you." 

This rendered it difficult for others to relieve me as they de- 
sired, but Brethren Harris and Stevens were very kind, doing all 
in their power, so that, after we reached the Bay of Biscay, I 
managed to get a little sleep every night ; but I can never forget 
the joy he always showed when I returned. Had I known that 
he would be called so soon, I think I could not have left him so 
often as I did ; but 1 thought I must spare myself a little for his 
sake. He always expressed the most perfect trust and confidence, 
but he said one day : 

" I had hoped, as dear Dr. Wade did, to have shouted ' Halle- 
lujah ! ' once before crossing over." 

I think he did leave joyfully ; for just before he ceased to con- 
verse, I, supposing him even then unconscious, was attending 
upon him, and turned around to reach a handkerchief, when one 
standing by asked me what I was looking for. I, not wishing to 
talk, replied, "nothing." He instantly opened his eyes, beam- 
ing as with joyful anticipation, upon me, and said : 

"/am looking for something." 



362 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

"What are you looking for, darling ?" 

" I am looking for the speedy coming of my Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, God over all, blessed forever." 

The latter part was uttered with a loud, firm voice, which might 
well be called a " Hallelujah." I do not think he spoke an 
entire sentence after that, but he called my name to almost his 
last breath. He often prayed audibly for me, using the pronoun 
"us" very generally. He spoke during the last two days seve- 
ral times of having desired to do a little more work, but said, as 
the Lord did not permit him, there must have been a good reason. 

I know you will all feel very sad about his having been buried 
at sea. At first, the thought was very painful to me, but only one 
short day and night has made me feel quite differently. It is the 
utter loneliness and desolation of heart that distresses me, not 
that his dear remains are committed to the deep. The ocean 
does not seem hard and cruel that it has swallowed them up ; 
but rather, like a great, loving friend, has opened her kind 
arms to receive my treasure, which she will safely keep until 
called upon to " give up her dead," when she will promptly obey 
the summons. We committed him tenderly to the Indian 
Ocean, whose waters lave the land of his adoption, and connect 
and mingle with those that wash the shores of the land of his 
birth and of the whole world. It seems to me to be fit that he, 
whose sympathies and prayers and labors were for the universal 
brotherhood of man, should thus be buried. When I arose this 
morning, instead of shrinking from looking out upon a " vast and 
dreary waste of waters," as I might have done, I looked from the 
window of my desolate cabin upon the grand old ocean, with a 
yearning tenderness and calm such as I never have felt before, 
and such as I think I never could have felt towards any little 
spot of earth, however highly decorated or beautifully situated. 

There was no display at his burial. I had him suitably 
dressed, and he did not look emaciated or haggard, as he had 
done for the few preceding days ; but his noble presence com- 
manded respect, as it had in life. They covered him with the 
British flag, expressing regret that there was no American flag on 
board to add to it. After about seven hours the ship's bell tolled, 



STARTS A GAIN FOR B URMAH, LAST DA YS. 36 3 

and all on board assembled on the deck. The first and last two 
verses of that beautiful hymn, "Servant of God, well done," 
were sung. Brother Harris read a few passages of Scripture, se- 
lected from the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians, and the 
twenty-first of Revelation, and engaged in prayer. The ship 
was then stopped a while ; the officers lowered the body gently 
down ; and, after a few moments' solemn pause, the ship went on 
her way. All last evening and to-day a subdued, quiet demeanor 
everywhere prevails. The whole occasion seemed so sincere, so 
devoid of all affectation or parade, so in harmony with the 
character of our beloved, that I could not but feel that the loving 
Father had ordered it all. 

There will be great disappointment when I reach Rangoon 
alone. The Karens will feel it deeply ; but the Lord has ordered 
it, and it is best as it is. I will only add that my dear husband 
never for a moment regretted having "offered," as he said, "a 
little more service to the Lord.'' He was sure he had done right 
in coming back to the Karens. Just before leaving Scotland, 
after the luggage had been sent off and we were all ready to go 
to the steamer, he locked the door, and we had a few moments 
of prayer together. He was very ill, and told the Lord, with the 
simplicity of a child, all about it. I can never forget that 
prayer. He renewedly dedicated us to the Lord ; living or dying, 
we would be his ; prayed for grace to honor him in suffering or 
in service ; prayed for the coming of his kingdom ; and I felt 
then that we were all right, come what might. God has been 
pleased to verify his promise toward me. My strength has been 
equal to my day. I have not been really sick an hour since I 
left New York. I have often been so weary and sleepy that I 
would lie down without undressing, or even throwing over me a 
cover ; but an hour's sleep would generally so rest me that I 
would soon be at the side of my dear one, ready to serve him. I 
know you will all pity me and pray for me. I now feel as if life 
will be very desolate, but if the Lord has anything more for me 
to do, he will give me strength to do it. 

With true love, ever yours, 

J. P. BlNNEY. 

31* 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

MEMORIAL SERVICES AT RANGOON. 

1 8;;. 

MEMORIAL services were held, the first Lord's 
Day after the ship's arrival, in the beautiful little 
Chapel of the Theological Seminary, which he had two 
years before dedicated, and in which he preached his 
last sermon. The principal part of the report, prepared 
by Rev. D. A. W. Smith, is here inserted. 

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

Dr. Binney died on board the Steamship "Amarapoora," No- 
vember 26th, 1877, latitude 8o° 32' north, and longitude 67 54/ 
east, and was buried at sea about three days' sail west of the is- 
land of Ceylon. The first tidings which greeted us as, on 
Wednesday, December 5th, we hastened on board the steamer 
to welcome the long-expected party of missionaries, new and old, 
was that Dr. Binney was no more. On the following Lord's Day 
appropriate memorial services were held in the Chapel of the 
Karen Theological Seminary, conducted by Rev. D. A. W. 
Smith, Dr. Binney's successor in the School. The Chapel was 
filled with the students of the Seminary and College, and a good 
attendance of other Karens, who had known and honored Dr. 
Binney in life, and wished to share in these last sad memorial 
services. All the Karen missionaries were present, with the 
exception of Rev. D. L. Brayton, who was prevented by illness. 
364 



MEMORIA L SEE VICES A T RANG OON. 365 

There were several also from the out-stations, who were glad to 
be present to show their respect for the departed, and to mourn 
with the bereaved widow. The pulpit, behind which Dr. Binney 
had stood so often, was suitably draped ; and an excellent 
photograph of Dr. Binney, heavily bordered with crape, stood 
on the communion table, in front of the pulpit. 

The services were all in Karen. An opening hymn, which 
had been a favorite of the deceased, was sung, after which ap- 
propriate selections of Scripture were read, and Mr. Harris led 
the congregation in prayer. The hymn " Nearer, my God, to 
thee" was then sung, when Mr. Smith spoke as follows: 

" Last Lord's Day, as we left the Chapel, after evening service, 
we said among ourselves, ' Next Lord's Day the missionary party 
will have arrived, and perhaps Dr. Binney will preach to us in 
this Chapel. If he cannot preach, he will surely say something 
to us ; if unable to do as much as that, we shall at least look up- 
on his face and rejoice in his presence.' But to-day how differ- 
ent is all this from our anticipations ! We are not permitted even 
to look upon his face. This place, that knew him for so many 
years, shall know him no more. He is gone; and nought is 
left for us to-day, excepting the remembrance of him. But 
this is no small boon ; we are glad to have known him. We are 
grateful that it was ours to be associated with him in work ; 
to listen to his counsel, to receive his instructions, to have familiar 
intercourse with him, to see him at work, and to see his work. 
This recollection of personal relations between ourselves and the 
departed teacher gives us joy on this day of sorrow. 

" Dr. Binney was a man on whom to lean. He could be relied 
on. His yea was yea, and his nay was nay. He was genial in 
domestic and social intercourse. He was a wise counsellor, true 
and honorable in his friendships, uncompromising in his princi- 
ples ; a man to whom one would go, and not in vain, for advice 
and sympathy in trouble." * * * 

" His body lies beneath the waves. We cannot erect a 
monument over his grave, on which to record the virtues, and 
with which to keep alive the memory, of the dead. But he can 
well dispense with such a memorial. This Theological Semi- 



366 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BbRMAH. 

nary, founded by him, and to which he gave the best years of 
his life; and the long roll of native pastors, teachers, and 
evangelists — who were trained by him for their sacred work, — 
are his abiding memorials, living stones of remembrance which 
can never perish." 

Rev. Sau Tay then arose and said : "Our revered and beloved 
Teacher Binney came to us the second time, after an absence of 
several years, in the month of May, 1859, when I immediately 
attached myself to him in his work. I studied and recited under 
him, and at the same time assisted him in teaching and in every 
way in my power, up to the very day of his final return to his 
native land. I have been with him as large a portion of my life 
as I have spent with my own father ; and most happy have I 
been with him. I knew him better, perhaps, than I knew my 
own dear father. I was with him in my maturer years ; and my 
heart yearns for him even as for a father. 

" He had been absent from us nearly nine years, when he re- 
turned, as I have mentioned, and we thought he had probably 
nearly forgotten our language. He arrived on Friday night, and 
on the Lord's Day preached to us with great freedom and power. 
His first address, especially to the students of the Seminary, was 
founded on these words, ' The joy of the Lord is your strength.' 
At that time the students of Maulmain were obliged to leave 
their pleasant accommodations and come to Kemendine, Ran- 
goon. They were very homesick ; their hearts yearned for 
' Teacher and Mamma Wade.' They had no comfortable 
houses, either for sleeping or studying ; they were mostly stran- 
gers to Teacher Binney and to their associate pupils ; but when 
they heard that sermon they were comforted and encouraged. 

"At that time I was young and unable to help him much, and 
he was obliged to do almost all the teaching himself. Besides 
teaching three or four hours daily, he had charge of the church, 
and preached often on week evenings, once on Sunday morn- 
ings in Karen, and on Sunday evenings in English. He also 
had a Bible class on the Lord's Day; and this went on for more 
than two years, when I was able to relieve him a good deal, and 
as his own strength was failing, he lessened his work a little. 



MEMORIAL SERVICES AT RANGOON. 367 

"Our revered Teacher, though a man of the very best feelings, 
was never very familiar. He guarded well his lips. But though he 
did not speak at random, he talked much when he had anything 
important to say ; and people remembered his words ; and it was 
well to do so. He was both wise and truthful. If he said a 
thing, we never doubted him ; and if, by his promise, I13 led us 
to expect anything, it was to us as if already fulfilled. We al- 
ways implicitly trusted in him. He was also a man of large 
heart ; and his sympathies and plans were by no means confined 
to the Karens. Among his last acts he devised plans for the 
good of Burmans as well. His pupils were accustomed to call 
him ' a just and true man ; ' and even the heathen Burmans, 
who had a great deal of intercourse with him in working for 
him, were accustomed to call him by that appellation. 

"Our Teacher has no grave. In this respect he is like Elias 
and Moses and Judson. We can not understand God's purposes, 
but we know he makes no mistakes. Is it that too much respect 
might have been paid to the grave ? Perhaps so. But there was 
probably a better reason. I think the Lord permitted him to be- 
come an example for us, who have been his pupils and children, 
even in his death. Our teacher followed Christ's example to the 
last, and did not count his life dear unto himself. Shall we not 
imitate this example ? If he did not shrink from duty to save 
life, shall we allow anything to come between us and a faithful 
doing of our Master's work ? 

"And these labors and self-denials of our beloved Teacher 
were greatly approved and blessed of God. Multitudes of 
preachers and teachers have been raised up in consequence. 
His work will never die. These are his living epistles in every 
part of our country. They are the pillars of our churches 
throughout Burmah. In this we rejoice greatly." 

Rev. E. B. Cross, D. D., next arose and said: "The occasion 
on which we are assembled here would seem to be one for lamen- 
tation and tears. Why then do we not weep and show tokens of 
grief? The reason is that we can not think of him who has gone 
as in a place of tears or grief. We think of him as dwelling now 
m a place of glory and of joy, and for him we cannot grieve. 



368 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

"You have heard that he was expected here, and that in a few- 
days you would see him in your Chapel and in your midst. But 
he did not come, and his grave is not with us. There is no head- 
stone of marble to record his name and deeds. But he has a 
better and more enduring record than can be fixed on the head- 
stone of a grave ; for you are his epistles, known and read of all 
men. We can visit no place in Burmah where his living epistles 
are not found. We go to Tavoy, and we find them there. We 
go to Maulmain and Bassein, and his epistles are many. In 
every place we find his work written in living lines, not with ink, 
nor upon tablets of stone, but on the fleshly tablets of many 
hearts ; and they cannot die or perish. 

" We are not here to praise a Teacher, nor to praise any man ; 
yet there are those now, as in the days of the apostle Paul, whose 
names are known and whose praise is in all the churches. God, 
in his own way, has distinguished some men from others, and 
has made their lives, their history, and special events in their 
history, monuments, or at least marks, of his own special acts of 
providence. In our mission in this land, God seems to have 
chosen Dr. Judson to introduce the gospel — the simple message 
of salvation by the cross of Christ ; and in the same way he 
seems to have chosen Dr. Binney to introduce the School of 
Theology to the Karens ; and both Dr. Judson and Dr. Binney 
have been buried in the sea. We do not know the reason, but 
we know the fact. This may be a better monument. We may 
never forget these men because of this providence and the coin- 
cidence itself; a coincidence which forces itself upon our minds. 

" The perishing flesh of our brother and teacher is not here. 
His body is not before us. We do not see his face, but we shall 
see it. It is our part to imitate his example, and, as teachers, to 
be like him; to follow him as he followed Christ." 

Rev. Norman Harris, who sailed with Dr. Binney, and was 
with him when he died, then spoke as follows : " How can I tell 
you of Teacher Binney's sickness and death ? I saw the Teacher 
before he left you for America, and we talked together about our 
work, as being nearly done. After he left you, several asked me 
whether Teacher Binney would ever come back. I replied : 



MEMO RIA L SER VICES AT RA KG OOJV. 369 

" ' We have no ground to hope he will be able to return.' 
" When I was in America, the question was repeatedly asked : 
" ' Will Dr. Binney ever go back to Burmah ?' 
" ' No,' I replied ; ' he is too old and feeble to go out again.' 
"When the time drew near for me to sail, I was surprised to 
hear that Dr. Binney was to be one of the party; and when I met 
him on the steamer in New York, I said to him : 
" ' I thought you would never go again to Burmah.' 
" ' I have a little work,' he replied, 'which I wish to do there.' 
" I said, ' Burmah is a good place to work in.' 
" ' Yes,' he replied ; ' and a good place to die in.' 
" The Teacher suffered much in crossing the ocean, and in 
Scotland. While there he called a physician, who told him that 
place was bad for him, and by all means to go on, and when he 
arrived at the Mediterranean Sea he would be better. We came 
on, and when sailing over that sea perhaps he suffered less pain, 
but his strength gradually failed. After several days he told me 
his throat was bad, and said, ' This is a new disease, unlike any- 
thing which I have had before.' It became difficult for him to 
eat or drink, and sometimes he coughed badly. One day he said . 
" ' Brother Harris, I think I am the Lord's ; I trust him. Pray 
that the will of the Lord may be done, either for life or death. I 
have no will but his.' 

" He did not ask me to pray that he might be well again, but 
that the will of the Lord might be done. 

"Your Teacher trusted in that same power which I, with grea^ 
pleasure, have heard him preach to others. He was not afraid to 
die, because Christ has taken away the sting of death for be- 
lievers. Dr. Judson was buried east of the island of Ceylon 
and Dr. Binney about seven hundred miles west of that island." 
Next they sang, with deep feeling, the translation of the 
hymn — 

"Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, 
From which none ever wake to weep.'' 

Mr. Harris closed with prayer, and the benediction. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. BINNEY. 

SOON after the intelligence of Dr. Binney's decease 
was received in England and America, and at the 
various mission stations in Burmah and India, more 
than one hundred letters of condolence and sympathy 
were received by the bereaved companion of his life's 
voyage. A remarkable fact, and one which it is pre- 
sumed very rarely in similar circumstances occurs, 
deserves record : — Not one of all those letters lacked 
that nice and tender discrimination, the want of which 
so often causes to bleed afresh, wounds, which, accord- 
ing to the merciful ordering of our natural constitutions, 
time does more or less serve to heal. Many of them 
were beautifully simple and touching ; but they were 
mostly of so personal a character, and so connected 
with the bereaved, that, while they have awakened the 
liveliest gratitude, they were permitted to serve the 
simple purpose intended, to soothe and comfort. Two 
or three extracts or entire letters are given a place here, 
not because they were written with any other end in 
view than the others, but because of the peculiar rela- 
tion sustained by the writers ; or because, for other 
reasons, they are testimonies of great worth to the 
character of the deceased. 
370 



TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. BINNEY. 



371 



FROM J. N. MURDOCK, D. D., TO MRS. BINNEY. 

Boston, Massachusetts, January 25th, 1878. 

My Dear Mrs. Binney, — The mail brought us on Monday 
the sad news of the death of your honored husband. I cannot 
say that it surprised me after what I saw of him in New York and 
heard of him in Glasgow; but I am none the less afflicted. He 
was so anxious to do a little more for the spiritual welfare of his 
loved Karens, and I knew there was so much need of what no 
one could do so well as he, I was fain to hope that he would be 
spared to see his books through the press, But the Lord, who 
knows all about what is needed, and how it is to be effected, has 
taken him from his cherished work to his heavenly reward. But, 
my dear friend, his work is not an unfinished work. He has been 
taken away from it, but it is complete, because it is as the Lord 
has ordained. The plan of his life was of the Lord ; and how 
loyally, faithfully, and truly he pursued it till the day when the 
Lord took him ! His course was finished, his work was done, and 
his crown is secure. 

In writing to you, as I must, in terms of condolence and sym- 
pathy, I cannot refrain from congratulating you that your life has 
been so largely cast in relations of closest and most endeared in- 
timacy with such a man as Dr. Binney. His intellectual, moral, 
and social qualities were of the rarest order. His intellectual 
grasp and breadth, his dignity of bearing, his gentleness, his in- 
tegrity, his high sense of honor, his devotion to duty, combined 
to stamp his character with a heroic mould. I never met a man 
who more fully commanded respect and veneration. I shall miss 
his always considerate and kind expressions, and his always ju- 
dicious views of matters which we here are obliged to take on 
the credit of other understandings. I grieve with you over this 
great loss. 

Accept, my dear friend, my sincere sympathy in this hour of 
your trial. While you comfort yourself with the contemplation 
of the exalted character and incomparable worth of your lamented 
husband, you have the higher consolation of knowing that he is 
in heaven with his God. 



372 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, 
who hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and 
good hope through grace, comfort your heart and establish you 
in every good word and work." 

Yours with sincere commiseration, 

J. N. Murdoch. 

S. F. SMITH, D. D., TO MRS. BINNEY. 

Newton Centre, Massachusetts, January 28, 1878. 

My Dear Mrs. Binney, — Among the sad, but precious testi- 
monials which you are doubtless receiving from sympathizing 
friends in this country, I claim it as a privilege to add my wit- 
ness. You know how long I have known your incomparable hus- 
band, and how highly I have esteemed him. I feel that in his 
departure " a great man is fallen in Israel." He filled in his life- 
time a sphere of lone conspicuity, having done what no man 
ever did for the Karens, or can do. As the originator of the 
Theological Seminary, and moulding it wisely from the begin- 
ning into form and shape according to the pattern in his own 
mind, he conferred a priceless boon on the people and their min- 
istry for all time. Whatever subsequent teachers may do, his 
work lay as the corner-stone on which the building has been fitly 
framed together. I am aware that he had much to struggle 
against in his protracted work in Burmah. But none can doubt 
his faithfulness, his energy, his wisdom, his zeal, his entire con- 
secration. The blessings of thousands will come upon him, and 
you as his helper, companion, and joy. 

You will have had ere this innumerable words of sympathy 
and consolation from your many friends ; and I am sure those 
consolations have been sealed and intensified by those of the 
Divine Paraclete, speaking in them and above them. What 
more is needed than Christ's own words of sympathy, "The Com- 
forter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in 
my name." There you have, in one verse, the three Persons of 
the Divine Trinity speaking peace — all there is of God. Could 
you have more ? 



TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. BINNEY. tf $ 

I am glad your dear husband took Rome on his way to the 
New Jerusalem. Methinks it will aid his intercourse with the 
Apostle Paul in glory, and add to his capacity to comprehend 
him, to remember that he, too, was in the Eternal City and saw 
the Coliseum, the Tiber, and perhaps the Ghetto, and the site of 
Paul's " own hired house." The associations of earth will surely 
make heaven the sweeter, and the memory of the "City of the 
Seven Hills" will illustrate and endear the city having everlast- 
ing foundations. How the grand missionary of the first century 
and the younger but noble missionary of the nineteenth will en- 
joy together the intercourse with the believers to whom that won- 
derful eighth chapter of the Epistle was addressed. 

Let me assure you of my congratulations for him who now 
looks back on a finished life of usefulness and honor ; my con- 
gratulations to yourself, connected so intimately, so dearly, so 
helpfully, and so lovingly, as well as so long, with such a servant 
of God, and my sympathy, and prayers that you may be divinely 
sustained and grandly sanctified by this bereavement. If you 
have less to love on earth, you have more in heaven. 
With highest Christian regard, 

I am very sincerely yours, 

S.F. Smith. 



FROM J. G. WARREN, D. D. 

My Dear Mrs. Binney. — Though I was Dr. Binney's junior 
by a few years, my acquaintance with him dates back nearly to 
the time when he entered on public life, his first settlement 
being at West Boylston, in Worcester County, Massachusetts — 
my native county, and my home till maturity. While he was 
there I came into his presence a few times at the general meet- 
ings of the Baptists, and gained some idea of the sources of his 
power, and of the promise he gave of future usefulnesss 

From that time till the day of his death and burial in the In- 
dian Ocean — fitting receptacle for such a treasure — I followed 
him ; first through the medium of his letters, as published in the 
Baptist Magazine, afterwards by social intercourse, while he was 



374 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN BURMAH. 

in this country, and by listening a few times to his sermons and 
addresses, and most of all by the correspondence which went 
before his re-appointment to the position of Theological Teacher 
to the Karens, and the many letters I received from him while I 
was Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Union. * * * 

If any ask for a portrait of your husband, I should say that in 
stature he was of medium height, standing erect, every limb ex- 
quisitely formed and performing promptly its part, while the 
whole frame work, compacted and knit together, executed 
promptly and well the tasks assigned it by the ruling powers 
within. The head, for such a trunk, was large ; the eye keen 
and penetrating, yet benignant ; the face manly and noble, its 
entire expression being generous and kind, while firm and deter- 
mined. In mind he was self-centred, self-poised, self-reliant ; 
and, I do him no harm when I say, self-filled. In other form of 
words, he had a mind of his own, the gift of God, to be and re- 
main his, by original right and possession, and to be employed in 
working out the end which himself approved, and hence he never 
" borrowed leave to be" from any mortal ; always had opinions, 
faiths, sentiments, and corresponding practices of his own. 

He was a born disciplinarian and teacher, whether amongst 
Americans or Karens, fully grown men or children. All in- 
stinctively felt his sway — a sway sent abroad in the very atmo- 
sphere around him, without any set purpose of his own, but by 
the spontaneous out-go of his being. All gathered at his feet as 
voluntary, humble, and receptive pupils, to take on, take in, and 
assimilate whatever he might impart, and so they gradually grew 
up into him and became conformed to his image. His children 
are scattered all over Burmah. Herein is the real prerogative 
and true glory of an instructor. Hence, I have often said, it is 
worth more to me to come into casual and involuntary contact 
with some minds than to sit whole ages under the formal teach- 
ings of others. In the first instance, I should receive an inspira- 
tion that would thrill in me forever, lifting me up and impelling 
me forward. In the other, I should become loaded down with 
lumber on the outside, a dead weight to impair every step, while 
within would be lodged not one particle of creative energy. 



TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. BINNEY. 375 

I do not think I should do justice to Brother Binney if I attri- 
buted to him a massive intellect after the model of the late Dr. 
Wayland, which at moments was slow, not to say heavy. His 
mind was, however, of an uncommon order, with all the parts 
well developed, and each ready at call to leap forth and perform 
at its very best the assigned task. Few men ever had the intel- 
lectual powers all under so complete discipline, and fewer still 
could make such power do his bidding with such consummate 
skill. This was evinced both in the class-room and in the pulpit. 
In the last named position alone had I an opportunity personally 
to observe it. 

His very presence in the pulpit, as he rose to speak, captivated 
an assembly, and all eyes were turned on him, expecting to re- 
ceive something from him ; nor were they destined to disappoint- 
ment. The moment he opened his lips, words of grace pro- 
ceeded out of his mouth, and on and still on he went in a simple, 
direct, incisive, all-persuasive utterance, unaided by manuscript, 
but not without the most painstakfng preparation, by reading, by 
protracted thought, and often by writing and re-writing, yet 
never committing verbally to memory. This preaching cost 
him something. All his hearers craved more from the same 
source. 

I seem to hear some one asking, "Was Dr. Binney the only full- 
grown man we ever had in Burmah ?" My answer is ready. He 
was only one among many fully developed men — men of supe- 
rior excellence of character, each on a model peculiar to him- 
self, as originally designed by the God of Missions, and wrought 
out by him. 

To these also is appended a tribute, published in the 
Examiner arid Chronicle, soon after his decease, from the 
pen of A. J. Huntington, D. D., who was a beloved 
co-worker, with him, while in Columbian College, 
Washington, D. C. 

The testimony of the Senior Professor in Columbian 
College, the late Wm. Ruggles, LL.D., has been given 



376 TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

from time to time in this narrative, in a manner that 
could not admit doubt of his sincere esteem for Dr. 
Binney and his hearty interest in the work to which 
his life was devoted. It will suffice to say that at vari- 
ous times he gave more than twenty thousand dollars 
towards the support of the educational work, with which 
Dr. Binney was connected, so that the names of Binney 
and Ruggles are closely allied in it. 

FROM A. J. HUNTINGTON, D. D. 

DR. BINNEY AS AN EXAMPLE. 

So far as our Baptist churches are concerned, a star of the 
first magnitude has just set ; and we do well again and again to 
turn our eyes upon its lingering radiance. Admirable tributes to 
the memory of Dr. Binney have just appeared in these columns 
from Dr. W. T. Brantly and Dr. S. S. Cutting. My only apology 
for adding to what they have so well said, is my intimate connec- 
tion with him during his Presidency of Columbian College, and 
the high regard which then and ever afterwards I had for him. 

To his intellectual qualities, to his remarkable power as a 
preacher, to his decided success as a pastor, to his eminent 
ability as a College President and Professor, — it is unnecessary 
to refer, since his rare talents were acknowledged by all who 
knew him in these different spheres of action. But it is my pur- 
pose rather to point to some of those prominent features in his 
religious character which make him an example worthy of the 
imitation of every Christian. 

i. He is an illustration of the power of a strong faith — of that 
faith which the Bible signalizes in the worthies of old — in Enoch 
and Noah and Abraham and Moses and David and Samuel and 
the prophets — of that faith which is the cardinal grace of the 
New Dispensation, and without which no one has been, and no 
one can be, a successful worker in the vineyard of the Lord. 
Dr. Binney, as he professed to believe, so did really believe 
with the simplicity of a child, in that holy God whom the Bible 



TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. BINNEY. 377 

reveals as the Rewarder of the righteous and the Punisher of 
the wicked ; and he so believed that he looked, as it were, into the 
eternal world, saw the judgment seat, before which he and all 
men must appear, and heard, as it were, the welcome, " Come, 
ye blessed," and the doom, " Depart, ye cursed." He really be- 
lieved that Jesus, by his blood, obtained eternal redemption for 
all who accept him. He really believed, as if he had received 
the command from his own lips, that his Lord had commissioned 
him to tell to ruined men the news of this great salvation ; and 
he believed that this message, if faithfully delivered, would, with 
the promised aid of the Spirit, arrest the attention of men and 
turn them to God. He believed, and therefore spake in words 
of earnestness and power. He believed, and therefore, as a 
herald of the cross, braved again and again the dangers of the 
deep and the smitings of the tropical sun. It was because he 
had this faith in him who is invisible, that he endured, fearing 
not, faltering not, desponding not, and finished his course tri- 
umphantly, exclaiming, " I am looking for the coming of my 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God over all, blessed forever." 
Now this is the faith that the Bible inculcates, but which we 
greatly fear is dying in the church. But just such a reasonable, 
simple, Scriptural faith must we have if we would please God, 
conquer sin in our hearts, and win men to Christ. This faith 
alone can feed the flame of our love when it grows cold, urge us 
on when we loiter, strengthen us when we faint, and by giving 
us a view of the outshining recompense of the reward, help us 
to turn off our eyes from the world. Lord, increase our faith. 

2. Dr. Binney furnishes us an example of Christian consecra- 
tion. Where there is this vigorous faith, there will be a hearty 
consecration. No one could have known him well without per- 
ceiving that his piety was not formal, but was a living principle, 
animating his whole being ; that he had not chosen the ministry 
as a profession, but had entered it because he had heard the 
voice of God calling him to it ; and that he discharged his duties 
as a Christian and as a Christian laborer, not in a perfunctory 
way, but because he felt that his beloved Lord had imposed 
them upon him, and because it was his meat and his drink to do 



3J% TWENTY-SIX YEARS IN B URMAH. 

his will. It was easy to see that he had not nominally, but cor- 
dially and unreservedly, given to Christ his whole body and soul 
— all that he was, all that he had, and all that he could do ; — that 
he felt he was not his own, but was simply the servant of Jesus, 
bought with his precious blood; — that he recognized his Lord's 
complete ownership of him and absolute right to use him as he 
pleased, and his own duty to glorify him in' all that he did — to go 
and come at his bidding, to live where and as his Master might 
bid him to live, and to die where and as he might bid him die. 
Hence, while his health and that of his wife permitted him to 
labor for Christ in Burmah, he there did with his might the work 
which was there assigned him ; and when it became necessary 
for him to leave the East, he devoted himself with like earnest- 
ness and fidelity to the duties of preacher and pastor in his own 
land; and when an affection of the voice compelled him to 
withdraw in a measure from the pulpit, he still continued with 
the same zeal and energy in his Master's service, first as Presi- 
dent of the Columbian College, and in his second sojourn in this 
country as a teacher for a time in a colored Seminary at Rich- 
mond, Virginia. In every place, in every sphere, he seemed to 
live not unto himself, but unto him that died for him. If all the 
professed followers of Jesus were real soldiers, thus devoted to 
their Leader, the strongholds of Satan would speedily give way 
before the rushing onset of the sacramental host. A cavilling 
world would not then talk of Christianity as an effete and wan- 
ing system. And who will say that even this apostle to the Ka- 
rens had all the consecration to which such a Lord and Saviour 
is entitled ? 



Not to mention other prominent traits of his character, as his 
strict conscientiousness, his incorruptible integrity, his firm adhe- 
sion to the right, I pray God that the contemplation of those to 
which I have referred, may tend to arouse us from our apathy 
and self-indulgence and neglect of Christian duty, and to stimu- 
late us to cultivate the virtues of this valiant soldier of the cross 
and to follow him as he followed his Lord. 



TRIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. BINNEY. 379 

FROM GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN, D. D. 

The winter of 1854-1855 I spent in Augusta and its vicinity. 
Accordingly, it was my privilege to attend Dr. Binney's ministry, 
and, as his health was precarious, to render him occasional 
assistance. 

Dr. Binney's figure was rather spare, but lithe ; his complexion 
fair ; his brow ample ; his eyes benignant ; his smile genial ; his 
voice cheery ; his manner dignified, but hearty. His intellectual 
qualities were strongly marked, but well balanced. He had the 
faculties of observing minutely, gathering and arranging his data 
discriminatingly, planning broadly, watching details patiently, 
reasoning accurately, deciding slowly, but sagaciously and firmly. 
In a word, he had tact. He was specially gifted with the educa- 
tional instinct ; a born instructor, his influence over young men 
was stimulating, broadening, and healthful. His moral nature 
was profound. He was courteous, without insincerity ; affection- 
ate, without effeminacy ; conscientious, without perversity ; 
generous, without recklessness ; catholic, without laxity ; genial, 
without frivolity ; grave, without primness ; brave, without boast- 
fulness ; self-denying, without asceticism ; flexible, without 
feebleness ; conservative, without obstinacy ; prompt, without 
rashness ; decisive, without dogmatism ; self-reliant, without 
self-conceit ; ready to take responsibility, without either courting 
it or obtruding it. He was a patriotic American, a cosmopolitan 
philanthropist, a broad scholar, a sound theologian, a powerful 
preacher, a conspicuously able teacher, a wise counsellor, a 
steadfast friend, a devoted husband, a heroic missionary. The 
casket in which once shone that precious jewel now lies enshrined 
in one of the coral crypts of ocean. But in the day when the sea 
shall give up its dead, both great and small, it shall be seen that 
among its many rendered trophies not the least important will 
be he whose name on earth was 

Joseph Getchell Binney. 



INDEX. 



ABBOTT Rev. E. L..178, 179, 219 
Adams, G. F M D. D 271 

Address, Mr. Binney's farewell, 134- 

150 
Adlam, Rev. S 28 

Amarapoora Steamship 359 

Amherst Roads, anchored in 163 

Anderson, Martin B., D. D...275, 34-6 

" letter from. ..347, 350 

Anglo-Karen Dictionary, Dr. Wade's 

work on 328 

Mrs. Binney promises to com- 
plete it 328, 329 

Arab, Voyage from St. Helena to 

Boston on ship 234, 235 

Augusta, Ga., Mr. and Mrs. Binney's 

visit to church in 126-129 

Call to Mr. Binney 242 

Resignation, his 249 

Return to 251 

Yellow fever in 258 

Au-paw 213, 214 

BACON, J. S , D. D 237, 263 
Baldwin, Thomas, D. D 15, 30 

Baltimore, Baptists in 1834 52 

Missionary Society in 56-58 

Bassein 191, 316, 317, 320, 321 

Beecher, Edward, D. D 31 

Beecher, Rev. J. S 191, 206, 223, 

276, 316 
" Bigotry," Bishop Elliot on the 

charge of. 103 

Binney, -ancestry and family.. .11-14 

Binney, Captain Amos 12 

Binney, Captain Barnabas 12 

Binney, Chas. J. F 11, 13 

380 



Binney, Hon. Horace 12 

Binney, Hon. Jonathan 12 

Binney, JaneLoring 12, 13, 25, 26 

Binney, John 11, 12 

Binney, Joshua, father ofDr 12 

Marries Hannah Getchell...i4 

Property lost 16 

Binney, Mrs. Joshua 14, 23, 24 

Binney, Mercy ..11, 12 

Binney, Nova Scotia branch of.. 12, 13 

Binney, Worksop branch of 13 

Binney, Joseph Getchell, D. D 12 

Birth of 14 

Early school days of... ..14, 15 

Seeks employment 18, 19 

Death of his mother .....23 

In business 28, 29 

Conversion 29, 30 

Missionary spirit 31 

At Munson Academy. ..33, 34 

Gives up business 31, 32 

Enters Yale College 34 

Change of views on baptism 36 
Enters Newton Theological 

Seminary 39 

Agent for the Northern Bap- 
tist Education Society 40 

At West Boylston 42-50 

Marriage 46 

Leaves West Boylston.„47-so 

Winter in Baltimore 52, 60 

Preaches in the First Church 
on Foreign Mission work 56 
Attends the Triennial Conven- 
tion at Richmond.... 58, 59 
Feelings with regard to For- 
eign Missions 59, 60 



INDEX. 



381 



Summer at East Cambridge 60 
Pastorate at Southbridge....6i 

Failure of health 77 

Removes to Savannah 86 

Successful pastorate. ...87-104 

Call to Burmah ,..107-130 

Voyage to Maulmain..i5i-i65 

Work in Burmah 167-224 

Failure of Mrs. Binney's health 
222 

Sails homeward 225 

Pastoral labor at Elmira...242 

Removes to Augusta 244 

Chosen President of Colum- 
bian" College 262 

Called again to Burmah. ..272 
Mrs. Binney's health fails..295 

He returns home 308 

Work for Freedmen... 310-317 

Again at Rangoon 319 

Final leave of Rangoon 336 

Anxious to return 355 

Sails once more 359 

Death on Indian Ocean. ..359 
Survey of his work in Burmah 
339-350 

Bolles, Rev. Dr 76 

Boston, a visit to 76, ^j 

Farewell meeting in 134 

Boardman, Geo. Dana, D. D., assists 

Dr. Binney at Augusta 260 

Tribute to Dr. Binney by.. 279 

Brantly, W. T., D. D...126, 127, 245, 

255 

Recollections of Dr. Binney in 

Savannah by 94, 95 

Remarks on Dr. Binney's suc- 
cess in Augusta by ..260, 261 

Brayton, Rev. D. L 219, 276, 281, 

282, 345, 364 

Bright, Edward, D. D 252, 254 

Bucknell, Wm., Esq... 268, 306 



Invites Dr. and Mrs. Binney 

to return and recruit 330 

Letter from Dr. Binney to. .322 
Bucknell, Mrs. Margaret Crozer„307 

3 22 . 324 

Buffalo, encounter with 183 

Buffalo, N. Y 132, 133 

Bullard, Rev. E. B..154, 196,218,219 
Burmah, call to 105 

CALVERT St. Church, Baltimore, 
53 

Carpenter, Rev. C. H 295, 331 

Letter to Mrs. Binney from 
296-298 

Carpenter, Mrs. C. H 295 

Carrol, Mr 232 

Chapel for the Seminary 331, 332 

Dedication sermon of. 333 

Memorial services held in the 

3 6 4-369 

Charleston, Female Seminary .44 

Public service on ship at. ...154 

Cheney, D B., D. D 64 

Cheney, Deacon.... 69, 79 

Chew, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin. ..256 
Circular to the missionaries in Bur • 

mah 276-278 

Clark, Thomas 106, 125 

Cole, Deacon 67-69 

Cone, Spencer H., D. D 58 

Corposant, a 157 

Columbia College, degree of Doctor 

of Divinity conferred on Mr. 

Binney by 262 

Dr. Binney President of.. ..263 

Crane, James C 52 

Crane, Wm 52, 53 

Cross, Rev. E. B 191, 192, 206, 

367, 368 

Crozer. Samuel A., Esq 351 

Cutting, S. S., D. D., on Dr. Binney's 



3S2 



INDEX. 



labors in West Boylston and 
Southbridge 50, 72, 73 

DISCIPLINE at Columbian Col- 
lege, enforced.... 265, 266 

Dow, Rev. Mr. and wife 154 

Duff, Rev. Dr 273 

ELLIOT, Bishop 95, 103, 104 
Elmira, church in 241, 242 

Everett, Pattison, or Gnahpoo, Con- 
version of. 211, 212 

Examiner and Chronicle 50 

FISHER, Rev. Abiel 43 
Florence 338 

" Franc's Chapel" at Kemendine287 

English service 291 

u Free Mission Society" 290 

Fuller, Rich., D. D 89, 90, 104 

GEORGIA Historical Society, lec- 
ture before the 102 

Gillette, A. D., D. D 237 

Gnah-poo 184, 188, 210-212, 225 

Going, Jonathan, D. D., pastor in 

Worcester 81 

Granger, J. N., D. D 251 

Griffin, Rev. Dr - 30 

Gunn, Rev. Mr., and wife 154 

HAGUE, Win., D. D 154 
Hall, Mrs. C. B. Morse. .-.66, 67 

Hall, Rev. Levi 66,67 

Hard, Rev. W. T 245 

Harmon, A 106, 125 

Harris, Rev. N....360, 361, 363, 365, 

3 6 8, 3 6 9 

Harris, Judge Ira 275 

Henderson, Capt 154 

Henthadah 316,319, 321, 343 

Hill, Rev. Stephen P 54,56 

Hobart, Peter •.•31, 32 



Home and Foreign Missions, plan 

for raising money for .99-101 

Howard, Rev. Hosea 164 

Huntington, A. J., D. D 266, 375, 378 

INAUGURAL address of Dr.Binney 
at Columbian College... 263, 264 
Ingalls, Rev. L., 216 

JACKSON, Henry, D. D.25, 43-45 
ackson, M. D., residence in the 

South ordered by 77 

Janish, Rev. Mr, 233 

Jayne, David, M. D., 268 

Jenkins, Joseph, 18-20, 29 

Jenkins, Mrs 20,21 

Judson, Adoniram, D D., 164, 169, 
186, 190, 191, 222 
Farewell to Mrs. Sarah B.. 186 

KANE, Dr.,letter of advice from 206 
Karen, Dr. Binney's first sermon 
in, 174, 175 
Karen Normal School, 189, 208, 212, 

345- 
Karens, first impressions on coming 

among the, r 176 

Karen Theological Seminary, Dr. 

Binney Principal of 269 

Keen, Wm. W., M. D 354 

Kemendine 286 

Jungles 274 

Theological Seminary at, 269, 
279, 342, 343 

Kendrick, A. C, D. D 8 

Kerr, Rev. John 54 

Kincaid, Eugenio, D.D.267, 301-302 

Ko-chet-thing's-ville 170, 180,211 

Ky-ah-pah , 231, 214 

LAMSON, Wm., D. D 275 
Lathrop, Edward, D. D 236 

Lathrop, Miss Julia A 154 



INDEX. 



383 



Law, Judge 102 ! 

Leghorn 338 

Low, Josiah 104 

Lowrie, Rev. Dr., on Dr. Binney's 
work 6 

MACKINTOSH, Wm. H 104 
M'Intosh, G., Esq 268 

Madison, Georgia ; Baptist State Con- 
vention at 128, 129 

Mason, Lowell 29 

Mason, Francis, D. D...178, 179, 191 I 
204, 206, 216, 219 

Maulmain, arrival at 164 

A day's work in 340, 341 

Voyage to 154-164 

Missionary Society 215 

Maynard, Dr 325 I 

Moonshee, Dr. Binney's 167 

Monthly Concert, the 70, 71 

During a revival 98. 99 

Murdock, J. N., D. D., extract from 

letter of 356 

Letter from Dr. Binney to 358 i 
Letter to Mrs. Binney, from, 
37i. 37 2 

NELSON, Rev. Ebenezer 42 
Newton, Mission premises at. 184 
187, 188 
Niagara Falls, incident at... 132, 133 

ORDINATION of four of the first 
Karen pupils 212 

Osgood, Howard, D. D 8 

Osgood, S. M., D. D 163 

DACKER, Rev. John 333 

A Pah-poo 289 

Partings 152, 133, 154 

Passell. John 106 

Pastoral visiting 47 

Specimen of 48, 49 



Pattison. S. W., M. D 354 

Pattison, Robert E., D. D 64, 83 

131, 151, 152, 251. 
Pattison, Miss Juliette, marriage of 

46. 
Peck, S.. D. D 155 

Dr. Binney's letters to, 176, 
180, 218, 219, 238, 247. 

Pierce, Rev. Dr 94 

" Plan of Education for Karen Native 

Preachers" 192-207 

Plan for raising money for mission 

purposes 99-101 

Prahai 174, 212, 214 

Preston, Rev. Dr 91, 95, 102, 103 

Pulpit, Dr. Binney's estimate of the 

importance of the 73 

RANGOON, arrival of Dr Binney 
in 278 

Return to in 1866 319 

Rangoon Baptist College 331, 345 

Rangoon, Theological Seminary at, 

301-303. 
Ranney, Thos. S 154 

Letter from .273-274 

Richmond, Dr. and Mrs. Binney in, 

309-3*5 

"Old First Church (African) 

in 3°9» 3 ID , 313 315 

Rome 334,335, 337. 373 

Rose bush, the pastor's 69, 70 

Roxbury, Mass., 131, 134 

Ruggles, Prof. Wm., LL. D, 237, 238, 

303, 375, 376 
a Rule, Scale, and Rod'' business, 28 
Ryland, Robert, D. D 310 

SALWEN, the river 171, 182 
Samson, Rev. Abisha 43 

Samson, G. W., D. D 263 

Sandoway 178, 218 



384 



INDEX. 



Savannah, Mr. Binney settles in 83-86 

Letters on leaving 107-125 

Illness of Mr. Binney and Mrs. 

Binney in 87, 88 

Revival in the church in 91, 92 
Trained band of workers in 

the church in 95-98 

Sau Tay, Rev. 366, 367 

School, Dr. Binney's 186 

Mrs. Binney's 172, 176 

Sears, Barnas, D. D 275 

Sharp, Daniel, D. D., 39, 40, 41, 55, 

75, 76 

Shurtleff College, call to the Presi- 
dency of 82 

Simons, Rev. Thomas 164 

Southbridge, church at 61 

Farewell sermon in 79 

Smith, Rev. D. A. W., 317, 319, 321, 

354 

Letter from 298 

Report of Memorial Services 

by 3 6 4~3 6 9 

Smith, J. Wheaton, D. D 275 

Smith, S. F„ D. D 372, 373 

Stevens, Bishop 102 

Stevens, E. A.. D. D 361 

Mrs. E. A 318 

St. Helena, three days in... .232-234 
St. Louis, meeting of the Missionary 

Union in 1865 in 308 

Sutlej, voyage from Maulmain to St. 

Helena on ship 224, 231 

TA-HOO 213, 214 
Tavoy 178, 179, 191, 218 

Taylor, Jas. B. D. D 52, 54 

Telegram, the first from Boston to 

the Mission 321 

Thomas, Rev. B. C 319 

Death of 320 

Thomason, the Life of Rev. Mr... 159 



Trustees of Columbian College, reso- 
lutions by 271 

Tucker, Rev. C 132, 133 

Tupper, Holmes 82, 83 

Turpin, Wm., M. D 127, 244., 256 

UPLAND, Penn., Dr. and Mrs. 
Binney at 309 

VAN METER, Rev. W. C 337 
Vinton, J. H..D. D.164, 175, 191, 
204,2215, 275 

Vinton, Mrs 278 

Vinton, Miss 222 

Visitors at the Southbridge parsonage 
73 76 

WADE, Jonathan, D. D...204, 278 
279. 324-328 
Death of 328 

Warren, J. G., D. D 274, 278, 292 

Tribute to Dr. Binney by 373- 

375- 

Warsaw, New York 354 

Wash, W. W 106, 125 

Wayland. Francis, D. D 375 

Welling, J. C, D. D 35* 

Wesley, John, views on baptism held 

by • 104 

West Boylston, church at 41, 371 

Weston, Rev. J. E 37. 39 

White, Dea. Joseph 5° 

White, Dr 154 

•' Whitefield in America," lecture be- 
fore the Georgia Historical 

Society on 102 

Wright, Miss 222 

Wyer, Rev. H. 94- io 7 

Extract from address in Au- 
gusta of. 245, 246 

YOUNG Men's Literary Associa- 
tion in Rangoon, Lecture before 

293 



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